Last updated: 23 October 2026
The AI Observer is a place for curious people to talk about artificial intelligence, technology and what they mean for our lives, work and businesses. Good conversations need trust, so these guidelines explain what we expect from everyone who comments, shares or takes part, and what happens when someone doesn't follow them.
They apply to comments on our website, replies to our newsletters, and conversations in any community spaces we run. They sit alongside our Terms of Use, which take priority if the two ever differ.
The short version
- Be respectful, even when you disagree.
- Bring evidence, not hype.
- Stay on topic and add something to the conversation.
- Be honest about who you are and what you're promoting.
- Protect people's privacy, including your own.
1. Be respectful
Disagreement is welcome. Personal attacks are not. Challenge ideas, not people. We remove insults, name-calling, threats, and comments that attack someone for who they are.
We have zero tolerance for hate speech, harassment or discrimination based on race, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age or any other characteristic.
2. Keep it constructive and on topic
The best comments add something: a question, an experience, a counter-argument or a useful source. Keep comments relevant to the episode or article they're on. If you'd like to suggest a topic, a guest or a correction, get in touch.
3. Evidence, not hype
AI attracts strong claims, both optimistic and alarming. Share sources where you can, say when something is your opinion, and be open to being wrong. Don't knowingly spread false or misleading information, including fabricated quotes, fake screenshots or manipulated media presented as real.
4. Using AI in the conversation
We're a community about AI, so we don't ban AI tools. We ask that you use them honestly:
- Write your comments yourself. If you share AI-generated text or images, say so.
- Don't use bots or automated accounts to post or reply.
- Don't post deepfakes or synthetic media of real people without making clear that they're synthetic, and never to mislead, harass or impersonate.
5. No spam or undisclosed promotion
Don't use comments to advertise your product, service, channel or affiliate links. If you work for or have a financial interest in a company you're discussing, say so. Spam, phishing, scams and misleading links are removed.
If you'd like your product featured, we offer clearly labelled partnerships. Our independent editorial coverage is never for sale.
6. Protect privacy
Never post anyone's personal information, such as home addresses, phone numbers, private email addresses or private messages, and don't share it about yourself in public comments either. Don't post content that identifies or targets private individuals.
7. Be honest about who you are
Don't impersonate other people, our hosts, guests or staff, or misrepresent your affiliation with a company or organisation.
8. Respect the law and other people's work
Don't post anything illegal, or content that infringes copyright, such as full articles, paywalled material or other people's work without permission. Short quotes with a link to the source are fine.
9. Our guests
Our guests give their time to share their knowledge. You're welcome to challenge what they say, but treat them with the same respect as anyone else here. Abuse directed at guests or hosts will be removed.
10. How we moderate
We read comments and act on reports. Depending on what happened, we may:
- remove a comment, usually without notice;
- temporarily stop someone from commenting; or
- permanently remove commenting access or a membership for serious or repeated breaches.
We moderate based on behaviour, not viewpoint. If you think we've made a mistake, email us and we'll take another look.
11. Reporting a problem
If you see something that breaks these guidelines, email [email protected] with a link to the comment and a short note about the problem. If something puts someone in immediate danger, contact your local emergency services first.
12. Changes
We may update these guidelines as our community grows. We'll post changes on this page with a new "Last updated" date.
Thanks for being part of The AI Observer. We're glad you're here.