Plain-language summary
Clap Ideas is for exploring bold ideas about the future — constructively, honestly, and safely. Debate ideas, not people. Bold speculation is welcome; harmful instructions are not. Cite your sources. Label your uncertainty. Respect attribution.
1. Our mission and these guidelines
Clap Ideas exists to democratise ideas and build the future. These Community Guidelines protect that mission. They apply to all content you create — ideas, comments, pathway proposals, project descriptions, event details, and profile content.
These guidelines work alongside our Acceptable Use Policy (which defines hard prohibitions) and our Moderation, Enforcement & Appeals Policy (which explains how we act on violations).
2. What we encourage
Boldness with rigour
Submit ideas that challenge assumptions, propose paradigm shifts, and imagine futures beyond what is currently possible. No idea is rejected for being ahead of its time. We ask only that you are honest about what is speculation versus established fact.
Constructive critique
Disagree with ideas vigorously. A good critique that identifies flaws, risks, or better alternatives is more valuable than passive agreement. Direct your analysis at the idea, not the person who submitted it.
Source citation
When you make scientific, technical, economic, historical, or safety claims, cite your sources. Link to papers, datasets, official reports, or other credible materials. If you are uncertain, say so explicitly.
Labelling uncertainty
Use language that reflects your confidence level. “This might work if…” and “Current research suggests…” are honest. “This will definitely work” and “Scientists have proven…” require evidence.
Collaboration across expertise levels
You do not need to be an expert to contribute a great idea or a useful critique. Explain your reasoning. Welcome questions. Help others understand your thinking.
Attribution and credit
When you build on someone else’s idea, reference it. Use the platform’s Run-With-This-Idea feature to create projects and events from public ideas — this automatically creates an attribution trail.
3. What we prohibit
3.1 Harassment and personal attacks
Critiquing an idea is encouraged. Attacking, threatening, intimidating, or harassing the person who submitted it is never acceptable. This includes:
- Personal insults, slurs, or degrading language targeted at users.
- Threats of violence or harm.
- Persistent unwanted contact.
- Doxxing (publishing private personal information without consent).
- Coordinated pile-on attacks.
3.2 Dangerous content
Bold exploration of risky ideas is welcome — providing dangerous implementation instructions is not. Prohibited dangerous content includes:
- Detailed instructions for weapons, explosives, or chemical/biological/radiological/nuclear hazards.
- Instructions for cyberattacks, malware, or credential theft.
- Self-harm encouragement or methods.
- Content that facilitates violence against specific people or groups.
- Unsafe medical or clinical guidance presented as fact.
3.3 Misinformation campaigns and manipulated ranking
- Do not post content you know to be false with the intent to mislead.
- Do not coordinate voting or engagement to manipulate idea rankings artificially.
- Do not create multiple accounts to amplify your own content.
3.4 Spam and low-effort content
- Do not submit repetitive, near-identical, or content-free ideas.
- Do not use the Platform to advertise products or services.
- Do not flood discussions with off-topic content.
3.5 Presenting AI output as verified truth
AI-generated research briefs, structured summaries, and suggestions may contain errors. Do not present AI-generated content as established scientific or professional fact without independent verification. Our AI Transparency Policy explains what AI labels mean.
3.6 Impersonation and false affiliation
- Do not impersonate other users, public figures, organisations, or Clap Ideas.
- Do not claim official affiliation with Clap Ideas for a project or event without written approval from an authorised administrator.
3.7 Confidential and third-party information
Do not submit trade secrets, classified information, employer-owned inventions, or content you do not have the right to share. See our IP & Attribution Policy.
3.8 Illegal content
Do not submit content that is illegal in your jurisdiction or in the jurisdictions where the Platform operates. This includes content involving exploitation of minors, incitement to violence, sanctions violations, and fraud.
4. Special guidance for research and speculative ideas
Clap Ideas welcomes speculative, futurist, and breakthrough ideas across all domains, including biotechnology, aerospace, energy, robotics, AI, neuroscience, and social systems. For these ideas, we ask:
- Clearly label your confidence level and the state of relevant research.
- Distinguish between “this is my speculative concept” and “this is based on published research.”
- Do not post content that could enable real-world harm if implemented without expert oversight.
- Do not claim medical, legal, financial, or engineering authority you do not have.
5. Projects and events
If you create a project or event from an idea:
- You are responsible for its safety, legality, and conduct.
- You must not misrepresent platform endorsement.
- You must follow all applicable laws, institutional rules, and safety standards.
See our Projects, Teams, and Events Terms.
6. Enforcement
AI systems and human administrators review content for guideline violations. Actions may include labelling, downranking, removal, account restriction, or termination. You may appeal decisions under our Moderation, Enforcement, and Appeals Policy.
We aim to take the least restrictive action consistent with safety and platform integrity. We do not remove content merely because it is controversial, unpopular, or challenges established consensus — only if it violates our policies.
7. Reporting
To report content you believe violates these guidelines, use the report function on the content, our report a concern form, or email safety@clapideas.com. See our Safety & Abuse Reporting Policy for what happens next.