The News of Salem County LLC
PURPOSE:
This policy establishes guidelines for moderating user-generated content and handling takedown requests to ensure legal compliance and maintain content standards.
POLICY:
The News of Salem County is committed to providing a platform for community discussion while maintaining standards of civility, legality, and accuracy. This policy governs both proactive moderation and reactive takedown procedures.
CONTENT STANDARDS:
The following content is prohibited and subject to moderation or removal:
1. Defamatory, libelous, or potentially harmful content
2. Content that infringes on copyright, trademark, or other intellectual property rights
3. Hate speech, harassment, or threats
4. Obscene or pornographic material
5. Personal information posted without consent
6. Content that violates any laws
7. Commercial solicitations without prior approval
8. Deliberate misinformation or disinformation
MODERATION PROCEDURES:
1. Pre-Publication Moderation
– All user comments reviewed before publishing
– Application of content standards
– Rejection of non-compliant content
2. Post-Publication Monitoring
– Regular review of published user content
– Investigation of flagged or reported content
– Documentation of moderation decisions
3. User Reporting System
– Clear mechanism for users to report inappropriate content
– Acknowledgment of reports within 24 hours
– Investigation and action within 48 hours
TAKEDOWN PROCEDURES:
1. Takedown Request Reception
– Designated email address for takedown requests: zach@thenewsofsalemcounty.com
– Required information from complainant:
* Specific content location
* Reason for request
* Supporting evidence
* Contact information
2. Evaluation Process
– Initial assessment within 24 hours
– Legal review for copyright, defamation, or privacy concerns
– Editorial review for content standards violations
3. Action Timeline
– Emergency situations: immediate temporary removal pending review
– Standard situations: decision within 48 hours
– Complex situations: decision within 5 business days
4. Possible Actions
– Content removal
– Content modification
– Addition of editor’s note or correction
– No action with explanation
5. Documentation
– All takedown requests logged
– Actions taken recorded
– Communication with complainant documented
NOTIFICATION AND APPEALS:
1. Both the complainant and content creator (if applicable) will be notified of decisions
2. Appeals may be submitted within 5 business days of notification
3. Appeals will be reviewed by a different editor than the original decision-maker
COMPLIANCE WITH LEGAL REQUIREMENTS:
This policy includes special provisions for:
1. DMCA compliance
2. Court orders
3. Law enforcement requests
RESPONSIBILITY:
The Publisher is responsible for final decisions regarding content moderation and takedowns.
Last updated: 1/19/26