Misleading and Deceptive User Identities

You may not impersonate individuals, groups, or organizations to mislead, confuse, or deceive others, nor use a fake identity in a manner that disrupts the experience of others on Cantina.

What is a misleading or deceptive identity?

One of the main elements of an identity on Cantina is an account’s profile, which includes a username (@handle), account name, profile image, and bio.  

An account’s identity is deceptive under this policy if it uses false information to represent itself as a person or entity not associated with the actual account owner. Deceptive profiles are those that are designed to mislead and/or confuse others about the account’s true identity or affiliation. Fake identities, which may use stolen or computer-generated photos and fabricated names to pose as a person or organization that doesn’t exist, are also considered deceptive when they engage in disruptive or manipulative behavior.

What violates this policy?

We prohibit the following behaviors under this policy:

• Impersonation
  You cannot pose as another person, group, or organization in a way meant to confuse or deceive other users. 
  
  
• Deceptive Fake Identities
  You cannot use fake identities to interfere in civic processes, spread disinformation or spam, carry out financial scams, or abuse/harass other users.

What is not a violation of this policy?

Cantina allows the use of pseudonymous accounts, meaning an account’s profile is not required to use the real name or image of the account owner. Accounts that use pseudonyms or appear similar to others on Cantina do not necessarily violate this policy so long as their purpose is not to deceive, manipulate, or impersonate others.

Who can report violations of this policy?

Anyone can report a suspected misleading or deceptive identity directly from the account’s profile.

In cases where an account is suspected of misusing a specific individual or entity’s identity, we may need more information to determine whether the account is run or authorized by the entity portrayed in the profile. To ensure we have enough context, we may need a report from the portrayed party or their authorized representative in order to take action.

How can I report violations of this policy?

If you believe an account is posing as you or your brand, you or your authorized representative can file a report. If you believe an account is using a deceptive fake identity or misusing somebody else's identity, you can flag it as a bystander by reporting the account’s profile.