The Youth Internet Governance Forum, India (YIGF India) is committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and dignified environment for all. This code of conduct is a document that outlines the norms and standards that apply to all interactions between persons involved in YIGF India’s activities, during events, on platforms, or within spaces organised by or for YIGF India.
Applicability:
All individuals participating in any YIGF India-related event, activity, platform, or space are expected to observe and uphold this Code of Conduct. Violations may result in disciplinary actions, including but not limited to a warning, suspension, or permanent ban from future participation.
Core Values to abide by
- Mutual respect:
We treat everyone with dignity and respect, regardless of background, beliefs, or experiences. This includes fostering an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and abuse of power. We value diverse perspectives and engage in open and honest dialogue, even when opinions differ.
- Equality and non-discrimination:
YIGF India is a space where everyone should feel welcomed and empowered to participate. Hence, we prohibit discrimination based on factors such as sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, birth, disability, age, or sexual orientation. Such behaviour will not be tolerated and will attract remedial actions/sanctions.
- Professionalism and integrity:
We act with honesty, transparency, and accountability in all our interactions. We are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards, using our roles and privileges responsibly, and building trust within the community.
As reiterated earlier, any unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated.
Unacceptable Behavior Includes (but is not limited to):
- Discrimination or exclusionary practices
- Harassment, including sexual harassment
- Intimidation, or abuse of authority
Discrimination is any unfair treatment or arbitrary distinction based on a person’s sex, race, colour, ethnic or social origin, genetic features, language, religion or belief, political or any other opinion, birth, disability, age, or sexual orientation. The use of biased, bigoted, intolerant, prejudiced, contemptuous, and demeaning images, symbols, gestures, or phrases related to the person’s attributes constitutes discrimination. Discrimination may be an isolated event affecting a person or a group of persons similarly situated, or may manifest itself through harassment or abuse of authority.
Harassment is any improper and unwelcome conduct by a person that might reasonably be expected or perceived to cause offence or humiliation to another person. Harassment may take the form of words, gestures, or actions which tend to annoy, alarm, abuse, demean, intimidate, belittle, humiliate, or embarrass the targeted person or which create an intimidating, hostile, and unwelcoming environment for them. Harassment normally implies a series of incidents. Expressing disagreement with someone’s opinions or actions does not normally constitute harassment.
Sexual harassment is any unwelcome sexual advance, request for sexual favour, verbal or physical conduct or gesture of a sexual nature, or any other behaviour of a sexual nature by a person that might reasonably be expected or perceived to cause offence or humiliation to another person. Sexual harassment interferes with the targeted person’s safety and well-being and creates an intimidating, hostile, and unwelcoming environment for them. While typically involving a pattern of behaviour, it can also take the form of a single incident. Sexual harassment may be perpetrated by and against persons of any gender identity and sexual orientation.
Abuse of authority is the improper use of a position of influence, power, or privilege by a person against another person. This is particularly serious when a person uses their influence, power, or authority to improperly gain an advantage or benefit over someone or something. Abuse of authority may also include conduct that creates an intimidating, hostile, and unwelcoming environment which includes, but is not limited to, the use of manipulation, threats, blackmail, or coercion. Discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment, are particularly serious when accompanied by abuse of authority.
Complaint Mechanism
If you experience or witness any form of unacceptable behavior, we encourage you to report it.
How to Report: Complaints can be made to the following designated individuals:
- Ihita Gangavarpu: gihita@gmail.com.
- Tathagat Sharma : tathagatsh@gmail.com.
These individuals are responsible for interpreting and enforcing this Code of Conduct.
Complaints will be handledpromptly and with diligence and keeping in mind impartiality, confidentiality, and transparency
Anonymous Complaints: You may submit a complaint anonymously. However, please note that this may limit the team’s ability to thoroughly investigate and respond.
Alternative Reporting: If you are not comfortable reaching out to the designated individuals, you may contact another member of the team whom you trust.
Social Media and Photography: To maintain a respectful, inclusive, and secure environment, YIGF India has established the following guidelines regarding photography, videography, and social media use during all events and activities:
- Photographs and videos may be taken during YIGF India events and used for documentation, reporting, and promotional purposes across platforms such as websites, reports, and social media.
- If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded, please inform the organising team in advance or at the registration desk upon arrival. Your preference will be respected.
- In public activities, events, platforms, or spaces involving a large number of participants, the organisers may facilitate the use of common visual indicators to signify consent. This will always be on an opt-in basis – for example, identification stickers may be provided to participants who consent to being photographed.
- When sharing content on social media, participants are expected to act with responsibility and respect:
- Please do not post photos, videos, or quotes of other individuals without their explicit consent.
- Avoid sharing sensitive, personal, or identifying information without permission.
- Ensure that any content shared reflects YIGF India’s values of mutual respect, inclusivity, and professionalism.
- Please do not post photos, videos, or quotes of other individuals without their explicit consent.
- Any form of abusive, discriminatory, or harassing behavior online, including on social media platforms, will be treated as a violation of this Code of Conduct and may lead to appropriate action.
- Participants should strictly use official hashtags and social media handles to promote constructive and inclusive online dialogue.