SMACC Code of Conduct for Content Creators
As a member of SMACC (Social Media and Content Creators), you are part of a global community committed to ethical, professional, and high-quality content creation. This Code of Conduct outlines the expectations and responsibilities of members in various situations to ensure credibility, compliance, and respect within the industry. Failure to adhere to these guidelines may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or termination of membership.
Index of Contents
- General Principles
- Filming & Location Permissions
- Content Ethics & Responsibility
- Collaborations & Business Conduct
- Use of Technology & Equipment
- Social Media & Online Engagement
- Events, Networking, & Public Appearances
- Eco-Awareness & Sustainability
- Equality & Inclusion
- Children & Safety Considerations
- Membership & Compliance
Important Note
This Code of Conduct establishes a minimum standard for ethical content creation; however, members must always comply with local laws, cultural norms, and specific regulations that take precedence over these guidelines. It is the responsibility of each member to be informed about the rules applicable in their respective locations.
1. General Principles
1.1 Professionalism – Members must conduct themselves professionally in all content-related activities, treating others with respect and integrity.
1.2 Transparency – Content should be accurate, honest, and clearly distinguish between facts, opinions, and paid promotions.
1.3 Respect for Intellectual Property – Members must obtain proper permissions for any copyrighted material used in their content.
1.4 Ethical Monetization – Any form of monetization, including sponsorships, affiliate links, and ads, must be disclosed in accordance with platform regulations and legal requirements.
1.5 Community Engagement – Members should foster positive relationships with audiences, collaborators, and industry partners.
2. Filming & Location Permissions
2.1 Securing Permission – Members must seek proper authorization before filming in private properties, restricted areas, or government-owned locations.
2.2 Respect for Regulations – All filming must adhere to local laws, including privacy, noise, and safety regulations.
2.3 Professional Conduct on Location – While filming, members must minimize disruption, respect staff and visitors, and follow any guidelines set by the location owner.
2.4 SMACC Verification – Members should offer their SMACC membership details when requesting filming permission to validate their credibility.
2.5 Post-Filming Etiquette – Members should credit the location where applicable and share content with the property owner if appropriate.
3. Content Ethics & Responsibility
3.1 Accuracy & Fact-Checking – Content should be well-researched, and misinformation must be avoided.
3.2 Respect for Privacy – Members must obtain consent before featuring individuals in their content unless it is in a public setting where consent is not legally required.
3.3 Avoiding Harmful Content – Members must refrain from publishing content that incites violence, promotes hate speech, or endangers individuals or communities.
3.4 Sensitive Topics – When covering sensitive topics, members should present balanced perspectives and avoid sensationalism.
4. Collaborations & Business Conduct
4.1 Fair Collaboration Practices – Members must establish clear agreements regarding payments, credits, and deliverables in collaborations.
4.2 Transparency in Sponsorships – Any sponsored content must be clearly disclosed according to platform policies and advertising regulations.
4.3 Respect for Client Agreements – Members must honor contracts with clients, including confidentiality clauses and agreed-upon deliverables.
4.4 Intellectual Property in Collaborations – Content created in collaboration should respect agreed ownership and credit terms.
5. Use of Technology & Equipment
5.1 Responsible Drone Usage – Members must follow drone regulations, avoid restricted zones, and obtain necessary permits.
5.2 Proper Use of Equipment – Content should be recorded with consideration for quality, sound, and audience engagement without causing disruption.
5.3 Data Protection – Members must take precautions to secure and protect any collected data, especially when dealing with user information.
6. Social Media & Online Engagement
6.1 Respectful Communication – Members must avoid harassment, trolling, or online bullying on social media and in comment sections.
6.2 Moderation of Community Spaces – Creators managing groups or forums must ensure their communities remain respectful and constructive.
6.3 Handling Criticism Professionally – Negative feedback should be addressed professionally without engaging in online disputes.
6.4 Platform Compliance – Members should follow the terms of service and community guidelines of the platforms they operate on.
7. Events, Networking, & Public Appearances
7.1 Event Conduct – Members attending or representing SMACC at events must maintain professionalism and respect fellow attendees.
7.2 Speaking Engagements – When speaking on panels or public platforms, members should provide valuable, informed insights and uphold SMACC’s reputation.
7.3 Networking Etiquette – Members should engage in ethical networking, avoiding dishonest self-promotion or exploitation of relationships.
8. Eco-Awareness & Sustainability
8.1 Environmental Responsibility – Members should minimize their environmental impact by reducing waste, using sustainable materials, and following eco-friendly production practices.
8.2 Responsible Travel & Filming – When filming in natural environments, members must respect wildlife, avoid damaging ecosystems, and follow conservation guidelines.
8.3 Promoting Sustainability – Where possible, members should encourage sustainable practices in their content and educate audiences on environmental responsibility.
9. Equality & Inclusion
9.1 Sexual Equality – Members must promote gender equality and avoid content that perpetuates discrimination or reinforces harmful stereotypes.
9.2 Disability Inclusion – Members should ensure their content is accessible, including providing captions for the hearing impaired and considering inclusivity in their filming practices.
9.3 Diversity Representation – Members should strive for diverse representation in their content, ensuring all voices and perspectives are respected and valued.
10. Children & Safety Considerations
10.1 Protection of Minors – Members must ensure the safety and privacy of children featured in their content, obtaining parental or guardian consent where necessary.
10.2 Appropriate Representation – Content involving children must be appropriate, respectful, and free from any form of exploitation or manipulation.
10.3 Compliance with Child Protection Laws – Members must follow local and international child protection laws when featuring minors in content.
10.4 Avoiding Harmful Situations – Members should take necessary precautions to ensure that children are not placed in unsafe or uncomfortable situations during filming or public appearances.
11. Membership & Compliance
11.1 Adherence to SMACC Guidelines – Members are expected to regularly review and comply with updates to this Code of Conduct.
11.2 Reporting Violations – Members may report misconduct within the SMACC community for review.
11.3 Consequences of Violations – Violations of this Code of Conduct may result in warnings, suspensions, or removal from SMACC.
This Code of Conduct is designed to uphold the highest standards within the content creation industry while recognizing the importance of local regulations and cultural sensitivities. If you have any questions regarding these guidelines, please reach out to the SMACC support team.
