Definitions and Common Terms

DEFINITIONS AND COMMON TERMS (7 Dec 2024)

DEFINITIONS

SPAM

The definition of Spam used on this site is the one published on Wikipedia and is as follows (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spamming) :

Spamming is the use of messaging systems to send multiple unsolicited messages (spam) to large numbers of recipients for the purpose of commercial advertising, non-commercial proselytizing, or any prohibited purpose (especially phishing), or simply repeatedly sending the same message to the same user. While the most widely recognized form of spam is email spam, the term is applied to similar abuses in other media: instant messaging spam, Usenet newsgroup spam, Web search engine spam, spam in blogs, wiki spam, online classified ads spam, mobile phone messaging spam, Internet forum spam, junk fax transmissions, social spam, spam mobile apps,television advertising and file sharing spam.

Spamming is forbidden on the site.

(Note: This definition of Spam has been in use since 2021 and the decision to do so has been promulgated in several Metas.)

DOXXING (aka DOXING)

Doxxing is the intentional compromise of personally identifiable information belonging to another individual, regardless of its source. As it can be difficult to verify the accuracy of PII if there is any doubt then it is assumed to be both accurate and an intentional attempt at doxxing.

Doxxing is forbidden on the site.

COMMON TERMS

Board

The group of people who comprise the formal and legal face of the site. They are formally recorded on the site documentation which is provided to the necessary State and Government departments. They are the highest authority on the site.

Management Group

The group of staff comprising of Team Leaders and Administrators who manage the day-to-day running of the site.

Team Leader

The senior person of one or more of the functional teams which make up the Staff.

Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

PII is information that enables a person to be identified and is defined in the US as:

Information that can be used to distinguish or trace an individual's identity, such as their name, social security number, biometric records, etc. alone, or when combined with other personal or recognizing linked or linkable information, such as date and place of birth, as well as the mother's maiden name, in official standards like the NIST Guide, demonstrates a proactive approach to ensuring robust privacy safeguards amid the dynamic landscape of data security. This integration into established standards is a foundational framework for organizations to adopt and implement effective measures in safeguarding individuals' personal information.

As some of our community are also covered by EU legislation, the EU definition is broader and is as follows:

Any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person ('data subject'); an identifiable natural person is one who can be identified, directly or indirectly, in particular by reference to an identifier such as a name, an identification number, location data, an online identifier or to one or more factors specific to the physical, physiological, genetic, mental, economic, cultural or social identity of that natural person.