Username Policy

Last revised: 30th August, 2023

1. Introduction

This Username Policy ("Policy") governs the selection, use, and management of usernames on DoWhile Chat, a product of CollectivAI Inc ("DoWhile", "We", "Us", or "Our"). Currently, DoWhile Chat uses GitHub Single Sign-On (SSO) as its primary authentication method. As a result, your username on DoWhile Chat is derived from your GitHub account.

In the future, DoWhile may allow users to register for DoWhile Chat User Registration directly, independent of GitHub SSO. Should this feature become available, additional username guidelines as outlined in this Policy will apply. By using DoWhile Chat, you agree to comply with this Username Policy.

2. Acceptable Use

2.1 GitHub SSO Usernames

When using GitHub SSO to access DoWhile Chat, the following rules apply:

  • You must use your GitHub-assigned username as your DoWhile Chat username. You may not alter, modify, or override the username assigned by GitHub SSO.
  • You may only maintain one (1) username on DoWhile Chat. Creating multiple accounts through different GitHub accounts for the purpose of circumventing restrictions or manipulating the platform is prohibited.
  • You shall not buy, sell, rent, lease, trade, or otherwise transfer your DoWhile Chat username or account to any third party.

2.2 DoWhile Chat Registration (Future)

Should DoWhile enable direct user registration in the future, the following additional guidelines will apply to username selection:

  • First-Come-First-Served: Usernames will be assigned on a first-come-first-served basis. DoWhile does not guarantee the availability of any specific username.
  • Respectful and Non-Offensive: Usernames must be respectful and non-offensive. Usernames that contain profanity, hate speech, slurs, or otherwise offensive or inappropriate language are strictly prohibited.
  • No System Variables: Usernames must not use reserved system variables or keywords, including but not limited to: "root", "admin", "administrator", "support", "help", "system", "moderator", "dowhile", "collectivai", and any other terms that could be confused with official system accounts or platform operations.
  • No Violence or Illegal Content: Usernames must not promote, glorify, or reference violence, terrorism, illegal activities, drug use, or any other content that violates applicable laws or regulations.
  • No Personal Details: Usernames should not contain the personal details of others, including full names, phone numbers, email addresses, physical addresses, or other personally identifiable information of any third party.
  • No Impersonation: Usernames must not impersonate any person, entity, organization, brand, or public figure. This includes using usernames that are confusingly similar to existing users, official accounts, or well-known names with the intent to deceive or mislead.

3. Overlapping Usernames

DoWhile Chat currently follows GitHub's unique user ID system for authentication and user identification. Each GitHub account has a globally unique user ID, which ensures that no two DoWhile Chat accounts can share the same underlying identity, even if display names appear similar.

In the event that DoWhile introduces direct registration in the future and overlapping usernames become a possibility, DoWhile reserves the right to implement additional disambiguation mechanisms, such as requiring unique usernames across all registration methods, appending identifiers, or employing other technical measures to ensure each user can be uniquely identified on the platform.

4. Cyber Squatting and Sockpuppet Account Creation

The following activities are strictly prohibited on DoWhile Chat:

  • Cyber Squatting: Registering, occupying, or holding usernames with the intent of profiting from, selling, or otherwise exploiting the goodwill of a name, brand, or trademark belonging to another person or entity. This includes registering usernames that correspond to well-known brands, companies, or individuals with the intent to resell or leverage them.
  • Sockpuppet Account Creation: Creating multiple accounts (sockpuppet accounts) to circumvent bans, suspensions, usage limits, or other restrictions; to manipulate discussions, ratings, or feedback; or to create a false impression of popularity or consensus.
  • Impersonation: Using usernames or account details to impersonate another person, entity, or organization, whether for the purpose of deception, fraud, harassment, or any other reason.
  • Fraud and Manipulation: Using usernames or multiple accounts to engage in fraudulent activities, including but not limited to phishing, social engineering, or any scheme designed to deceive or defraud other users or DoWhile.

5. Enforcement and Termination

DoWhile reserves the right to enforce this Policy through any combination of the following measures, at our sole discretion:

  • Examination: DoWhile may examine usernames and account activity to determine compliance with this Policy, both proactively and in response to reports from users or third parties.
  • Suspension or Termination: DoWhile may suspend or permanently terminate any account that violates this Policy, with or without prior notice.
  • Content Deletion: DoWhile may delete, modify, or remove any username or associated content that violates this Policy.
  • Restrictions: DoWhile may impose restrictions on accounts that are found to be in violation, including but not limited to limiting access to certain features, reducing usage quotas, or requiring identity verification.
  • Legal Action: In cases of severe or repeated violations, DoWhile reserves the right to pursue legal action against the violating party to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.

Account Removal: If your account is terminated due to a violation of this Policy, you may lose access to all data, content, and features associated with your account. DoWhile is not obligated to provide you with any prior notice or opportunity to retrieve your data before account removal, though we may do so at our discretion.

Disclaimer: DoWhile makes enforcement decisions in good faith and at its sole discretion. We are not obligated to monitor all usernames or account activity, and we make no representations or warranties that all violations will be detected or addressed. DoWhile shall not be liable for any damages arising from enforcement actions taken under this Policy.

6. Reporting Username Harms

If you believe that a username on DoWhile Chat violates this Policy, infringes on your rights, or is being used in a harmful or abusive manner, please report it to us through one of the following channels:

  • Discord: You may report username violations through our official Discord community server.
  • Email: You may send a detailed report to team@collectivai.com, including the offending username, the nature of the violation, and any supporting evidence.

We will review all reports in a timely manner and take appropriate action in accordance with this Policy. Please note that filing a false or misleading report may itself constitute a violation of our Terms and Conditions.

7. Changes to the Policy

DoWhile reserves the right to modify, update, or replace this Username Policy at any time at our sole discretion. When we make material changes, we will notify you by posting the updated Policy on our website with a revised "Last revised" date, and where required by applicable law, by sending you a notification via email or through our Services.

Your continued use of DoWhile Chat after any changes to this Policy constitutes your acceptance of the revised Policy. If you do not agree with the modified Policy, you must discontinue your use of DoWhile Chat. We encourage you to review this Policy periodically to stay informed of any changes.