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"Flag to Moderator" feature changes

Sharon Mod

We want to take a moment to explain a recent issue affecting some users on the Online Community.

Currently, when a post is flagged by other users, the platform sends an automated notification stating that the content was flagged as “abusive.” We understand that this language can feel harsh and upsetting and we want to reassure you that this does not reflect our view of you or your contributions.

Unfortunately, we are not yet able to change the wording of these automated messages, but we are actively working on a solution. One of our priorities is to remove the use of the term “abusive” in relation to user content, as we know this is misleading and hurtful.

Why content gets flagged

To comply with the Online Safety Act, we are required to take swift action on certain types of harmful or illegal content. To help us meet these obligations, we’ve changed the settings of our “Flag to Moderator” feature. If two users flag a post, it is temporarily removed from the site until our moderation team reviews it.

Importantly:

  • Flagged content is not automatically considered harmful or in breach of our rules.

  • This system is a precaution to help us stay compliant and keep the community safe and open.

  • Users can appeal any content removal using the form provided in the notification message.

New way to report safety or wellbeing concerns

We’ve also updated how users can alert us if they’re worried about someone’s safety or wellbeing. Instead of using the “Flag to Moderator” feature, we now ask that users email us directly at CommunityManager@nas.org.uk.

This helps ensure that these sensitive concerns are handled appropriately and with care. Our moderation team reviews all reports and will respond as soon as possible. Please note that the Online Community is not moderated 24 hours a day, so it may take some time for us to respond, but we will always follow up.

We value the contributions and experiences you all share here. Thank you for helping us build a respectful, inclusive, and safe community.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email us CommunityManager@nas.org.uk.

Many thanks

Sharon Mod

  • in reply to Bunny

    Thanks so much for highlighting this Bunny. We will make these changes so our information is consistent.

  • in reply to Bunny

    understood - ironic perhaps given that autistic people are often considered to find change difficult?  Thanks  :-)

  • in reply to Phased
    Phased said:
    Perhaps offering an additional button that flags safety concerns for a member would catch more concerns?

    Unfortunately, the community's underlying software doesn't offer that capability.

  • Sharon Mod said:

    New way to report safety or wellbeing concerns

    We’ve also updated how users can alert us if they’re worried about someone’s safety or wellbeing. Instead of using the “Flag to Moderator” feature, we now ask that users email us directly at CommunityManager@nas.org.uk.

    It is wise that such concerns be addressed in a thorough fashion and I suspect it to be an unenviable and complex task.  I think the system of users e-mailing concerns might be tricky to implement compared with the ease of implementation and simplicity of a user employing the "flag to moderator" button.  Perhaps offering an additional button that flags safety concerns for a member would catch more concerns?

  • Hi  

    Thank you for updating us on this change.

    Will the NAS also be updating the community rules? They still say:

    "How You Can Help 
    Please help us keep the Online Community a safe and welcoming place by reporting any posts that you feel are against any of these rules. You can report posts by selecting ‘More’ under the post and then selecting ‘Flag to Moderator’ to notify the moderation team. Please note, the ‘Flag to Moderator’ option can be used to flag posts that are: 
    • potentially in breach of the rules 
    • potentially abusive  
    • concerning or worrying 
    This will allow the moderation team to review the content as quickly as possible."