Purpose
Humap is an interactive mapping platform used across research, education, and community projects by a wide range of individuals and organisations. This ethics statement sets out the values and standards that guide how we operate, and what we expect from those who use our platform.
1. Integrity and Accountability
- Act honestly and transparently with all stakeholders.
- Take responsibility for decisions and their outcomes, including how our platform is used.
- Maintain truthful communications and avoid misleading claims.
2. Respect for People and Communities
- Respect the rights, dignity, and perspectives of all individuals and communities, including those whose histories are being documented.
- Support freedom of expression while not tolerating hate speech, harassment, or violence.
- Recognise that mapping historical and cultural content can be sensitive, and handle it accordingly.
3. Privacy and Data Responsibility
- Comply with applicable data protection laws and respect individual privacy.
- Ensure transparency in data use and offer users control over their content.
- Our full Data Protection Policy and Information Security Policy provide detailed guidance on data handling, technical safeguards, and legal compliance obligations.
4. Fairness and Inclusion
- Strive for inclusivity within the company and on the platform.
- Support diverse voices and reduce participation barriers.
- Recognise that historical narratives are often contested, and avoid presenting one perspective as definitive.
5. Research Ethics
Many Humap projects are conducted within academic or institutional research frameworks. We expect projects involving human participants, sensitive community data, or unpublished research material to be conducted in accordance with the ethical standards of the relevant institution or discipline. Where a project is subject to formal ethics approval, that approval should be in place before data collection begins on Humap.
6. Artificial Intelligence
We may use AI tools internally to support operational tasks such as drafting, data processing, or development. We do not use AI to generate, modify, or moderate user content without disclosure. We do not train AI models on customer or user content.
7. Environmental and Social Considerations
- Consider environmental impact and make responsible operational choices.
- Support projects with positive societal contributions.
8. Continuous Improvement
- Commit to regular review and improvement of ethical practices.
- Encourage feedback from team members and users.
Annexes
This Ethics Statement sets out our core values. The following annexes provide operational guidance in specific contexts. All team members, partners, and project participants are expected to familiarise themselves with relevant annexes.
- Annex 1: Content Moderation and Sensitive Imagery
- Annex 2: Community and Cultural Sensitivity
- Annex 3: Working with Vulnerable People
- Annex 4: Data Protection and Privacy
- Annex 5: Copyright and Licensing
- Annex 6: Project-Specific Code of Conduct
Annex 1: Content Moderation and Sensitive Imagery
Purpose
Operational guidance on moderating user-generated content and handling sensitive or potentially harmful material.
Principles
- Support freedom of expression while protecting individuals and communities from harm.
- Maintain transparency and fairness in moderation decisions.
Prohibited Content
The following content is not permitted on Humap:
- Hate speech, harassment, threats, or incitements to violence.
- Discriminatory or extremist content targeting protected groups.
- Personal data published without consent (including home addresses, contact details, or other identifying information of private individuals).
- Illegal content, including child abuse material and terrorism-related content.
- Demonstrably false information presented as fact where it may cause harm.
Sensitive Historical Content
Content depicting violence, trauma, or distressing historical events is permitted where it serves a legitimate educational, research, or commemorative purpose. Contributors are encouraged to include contextual information and content warnings where appropriate.
Moderation Process
- Flagged content is reviewed by Humap staff.
- Response time: 5 working days (standard), 2 working days (urgent).
- Users may appeal moderation decisions, with final review by a company director.
User Communication
- We will provide clear explanations for any content removal or modification.
- A contact point for queries and appeals is available via our website.
Annex 2: Community and Cultural Sensitivity
Purpose
Guide respectful engagement with cultural and community groups, particularly where content relates to living communities or contested histories.
Consultation and Consent
- Consult with community representatives before publishing content that relates to their cultural heritage, particularly where that community has not initiated the project.
- Respect requests to remove or modify content.
Representation
- Avoid presenting contested histories as undisputed fact.
- Where possible, enable communities to contribute their own narratives and corrections.
Cultural Protocols
- Respect cultural and spiritual practices, including restrictions on the reproduction or public sharing of certain materials.
Right to Challenge
- A clear process exists for takedown or correction requests. Contact details are available on our website.
Annex 3: Working with Vulnerable People
Purpose
Ensure the safety and dignity of vulnerable individuals involved in Humap projects.
Scope
This annex applies to projects involving individuals who may be at higher risk due to age, disability, mental health, or personal circumstances — including projects involving minors, survivors of trauma, or marginalised communities.
Consent
- Obtain explicit, informed consent before collecting or publishing content involving vulnerable individuals.
- Use plain-language explanations of how content will be used and what rights participants have.
Privacy and Safety
- Anonymise personal data wherever possible.
- Restrict access to sensitive data to essential personnel only.
Safeguarding
Project leads working with vulnerable groups should ensure appropriate safeguarding measures are in place in accordance with their institutional or organisational policies. Humap does not provide safeguarding oversight for individual projects but expects project leads to fulfil this responsibility.
Annex 4: Data Protection and Privacy
Purpose
Supplementary data commitments for sensitive or community-led projects, to be read alongside Humap’s full Data Protection Policy.
Transparency
- Provide clear explanations of data use at the point of collection.
- Enable participants to exercise their rights easily, including access, correction, and deletion.
Minimisation and Anonymisation
- Collect only the data necessary for the project.
- Anonymise where possible and appropriate.
Consent and Control
- Obtain explicit consent before reusing participant data for any purpose beyond the original project scope.
- Allow participants to withdraw data and request deletion.
Security
- Employ appropriate technical and organisational safeguards. See Humap’s Information Security Policy for full details.
Annex 5: Copyright and Licensing
Purpose
Clarify content rights and licensing expectations for material uploaded to Humap.
Contributor Rights
- Contributors retain ownership of their content.
- Content published on Humap is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) by default, as set out in the Contributor End User Agreement. The subscribing institution may specify an alternative licence at the project level.
Third-Party Content
- Contributors are responsible for ensuring they have the rights to upload and publish any third-party material.
- Proper attribution should be provided for all third-party content.
Attribution and Reuse
- Humap displays the contributor’s username alongside their published content.
- Any commercial reuse of contributor content by Humap requires separate, explicit consent.
Annex 6: Project-Specific Code of Conduct
Purpose
Set behavioural expectations for participants in community or collaborative projects on Humap.
Expectations
- Treat all participants with respect, regardless of background or perspective.
- No harassment, discrimination, or intimidation.
- Engage constructively and in good faith.
Enforcement
- Breaches may result in suspension or removal from the project or platform.
- Reports are handled confidentially. Contact details available on our website.
Acknowledgement
- Where required, participants must agree to this code of conduct during registration or project sign-up.
To contact Humap about our Ethics Statement or to report a concern in relation to the document, please email [email protected]