Acceptable Use Policies Github Appeal And Reinstatement (GitHub)
This document outlines GitHub's internal process for users to appeal moderation decisions or request reinstatement of their accounts or content. Users can submit a request if they believe a violation decision was mistaken or if they are willing to rectify a violation to regain access. It details the steps involved and mentions potential additional legal rights for users in certain jurisdictions like the European Union.
GitHub Appeal and Reinstatement
While the majority of interactions between individuals in GitHub’s community fall within our Acceptable Use Policies and Community Guidelines, violations of those policies do occur at times. When they do, GitHub staff may need to take enforcement action to address the violations. However, we understand that sometimes we might make mistakes. In some cases there may be a basis to reverse a moderation action taken (or not taken) by GitHub Staff. To ensure our policies and outcomes are applied evenly, GitHub provides an internal complaint-handling process where users can submit requests for reinstatement or provide additional information to appeal a moderation decision.
What are Appeals and Reinstatements?
Both Appeals and Reinstatements may arise in relation to decisions to disable or limit access to content or an account, including decisions whether or not to:
Remove, disable access to, or restrict visibility of content
Suspend or terminate access to an account
Suspend or terminate access to the service, in whole or in part
Suspend, terminate or otherwise restrict the ability to monetize content
A “Reinstatement” is where a user wishes to regain access to their account or content and is willing to make any necessary changes to address the violation and agrees not to violate our terms going forward.
An “Appeal” is where a user disputes that a violation has occurred and can provide additional information to show that a different decision should have been reached.
How this works
If you seek Reinstatement or wish to Appeal an enforcement action, please fill out our Appeal and Reinstatement form. You may Appeal a moderation decision for up to six months following the decision. GitHub may, in its discretion, refuse to consider any Appeals submitted more than six months after the decision.
GitHub staff will review the information provided in the form to determine whether there is sufficient information to warrant Reinstatement or granting of an Appeal.
Reinstatements
Where a user can agree to abide by our Acceptable Use Policies moving forward and has made the changes necessary to address the violation(s), we may choose to reinstate their account or content depending on the circumstances and severity of the initial violation.
All legitimate Reinstatement requests will be reviewed initially by GitHub staff and will be answered with a decision.
Appeals
Where a user seeks to dispute a decision, they can use the form to explain their basis for disputing the decision and to provide any additional information regarding the alleged violation that they believe should have led to a different decision.
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