Community Guidelines

Welcome to Lokal!

We are a community built on meaningful, kind connections, genuine engagement and with a vision to learn and grow together. To help maintain a safe, inclusive, and respectful space for everyone, we have put together these Community Guidelines. We provide a platform for users to connect and share content while enforcing our Community Guidelines. However, users are solely responsible for the content they create, share, or interact with across platforms and we at Lok are not directly liable for user-generated content or actions, except as required by law.

These Community Guidelines are part of the broader Policies, which also include our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

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WHY THESE GUIDELINES MATTER

Our Community Guidelines are here to protect users, promote a positive experience and foster growth and learning. They outline what is and is not acceptable on our platforms. Following them helps us to create a space that values safety, diversity, constructive dialogue while fostering learning and growth.

We may take action if someone violates these Community Guidelines. This could include removing content, suspending or terminating accounts, or informing authorities if necessary. These steps are in place to protect the integrity and wellbeing of our community.

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IMPORTANT TO NOTE

This is not an exhaustive list. There may be other kinds of behaviour that violate our standards. Also, please be aware that breaches of these Community Guidelines can carry legal consequences under Indian law.

If you become aware of any content or behaviour that may break applicable laws, we encourage you to report it to the relevant law enforcement authorities.

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PROFILE GUIDELINES

  • Age requirement

You must be eighteen (18) or older to use Astrolokal, Matrimony, Lokal Jobs, Sahi Jobs, Agrilokal  Dostt and Eaze. Creating a profile that shows you as under (eighteen) 18 is strictly prohibited. We may ask for ID to verify your age, and anyone found to be underage will be blocked from the platform. You must be thirteen (13) or older and have legal parental or guardian consent to use GyanTV, creating profiles that shows you as under (thirteen) 13 is strictly prohibited. We may ask for ID to verify you age and anyone found to be underage will be blocked from the platform. 

  • Respectful Communication

Always treat others with respect. Do not share someone else’s personal information, photos, or contact details without their clear consent. Do not share your own personal details including phone number, email address, or other personal contact information with other users on the platform.  Any form of intimidation, manipulation, or harassment is not allowed.

  • Legal Compliance

All users must comply with applicable laws while using Lokal Jobs, Lokal Matrimony, Dostt, Eaze, Astrolokal, GyanTV, Agrilokal, Sahi Jobs. This includes behaviour during profile creation, content creation, calls, messages, and any profile content and the usage of the above-mentioned apps.  

  • Reporting Violations

If you see content or behavior that violates our Community Guidelines, please report it using the in-app block & report feature or by contacting us at support@getlokalapp.com. We take reports seriously and will act to protect the safety and integrity of the community.

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NUDITY AND SEXUAL ACTIVITY

The following are strictly prohibited – even if covered by emojis, hair, or transparent clothing:

  • Nudity and Exposure
  • Genitals, pubic region, or bare buttocks
  • Female nipples or areolas
  • Explicit outlines of genitals
  • Appearing naked, shirtless indoors, or in innerwear (e.g. vests, bras, underwear)
  • Lingerie or sexually suggestive clothing
  • Profile or camera content showing babies' or children's buttocks or genitals, even if covered

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  • Sexual Gestures and Inappropriate Behavior
  • Flying kisses, winking, or other suggestive facial expressions
  • Lewd or explicit hand gestures
  • Simulating or implying sexual acts (even if not visibly explicit)

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  • Sexually Themed Content
  • Talking about sexual topics during calls
  • Showing or referencing innerwear
  • Any form of sexually explicit or vulgar language
  • Digital or Fictional Sexual Content
  • Cartoons, memes, anime, or illustrations that depict nudity or sexual acts
  • This applies even if the content does not feature real people

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  • No Commercial Sexual or Romantic Transactions

You may not use the Lokal’s platform to:

  • Sell, promote, or purchase sexual services (e.g. sex work, escort services)
  • Share or promote pornography or adult live streams/webcam services
  • Redirect users to adult content websites
  • Offer or seek financial support, gifts, or benefits in exchange for romantic or sexual engagement (e.g. "sugar daddy"/"sugar baby" arrangements)

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  • Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment, which means unwanted, unwelcome, and non-physical sexual behavior, is strictly prohibited. This includes:

  • Sending unsolicited sexual images
  • Indecent exposure (e.g. flashing on a call)
  • Sharing or threatening to share sexual content without consent
  • Sexual comments, questions, or advances
  • Fetishising someone without their consent
  • Sending unwanted sexualised imagery, memes, drawings, or pornographic links

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CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND ABUSE

Lokal has a strict zero-tolerance policy for any content that harms or sexualises children. This applies to all users, and violations will result in immediate removal from the platform/s and may be reported to the authorities.

You may not share or discuss any content that:

  • Involves child sexual abuse or exploitation in any form
  • Sexualises children, whether real or fictional (this includes anime, digital images, illustrations, text, or media)
  • Any content involving child pornography, grooming, or sexual exploitation, including real or fictional depictions, even if intended to raise awareness
  • Shows or talks about sexually explicit conduct involving anyone under 18, even in a fictional or artistic context
  • Is intended to shock or raise awareness about child abuse but still includes explicit or harmful imagery
  • Includes third-party links that lead to child sexual abuse material
  • Encourages or pressures anyone to share such content

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  • Sharing photos of children on platforms

We understand that you may want to share stories or images of your own children or childhood. That’s okay, as long as you follow these rules:

  • Only appropriate, fully clothed photos are allowed
  • This includes any photos from your childhood
  • Never share images showing a child’s genitals or buttocks, even if they are covered or partially hidden (e.g. with emojis or stickers)

For this policy, a child is anyone under the age of 18.

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BULLYING AND ABUSIVE CONDUCT

Lokal via its platform enables a space for kind, respectful engagement and content sharing facilitating growth. We do not allow any content or behaviour that harasses, bullies, insults, or targets individuals or groups.

The following are strictly prohibited:

  • Bullying, belittling, insulting, mocking, trolling, or intimidating others
  • Making harmful or unsolicited comments about someone’s appearance or body (e.g. body shaming)
  • Using abusive or offensive language, including during audio/video calls or via chat
  • Encouraging, praise, or wish for violence
  • Emotionally manipulating or abusing another member
  • Repeatedly contacting someone after they have asked you to stop
  • Content which is invasive of a user’s privacy, including bodily privacy
  • Blaming, shaming, or targeting someone for being a survivor of abuse, assault, harassment, or exploitation
  • Taking or sharing someone’s personal images without their consent
  • Sharing private or identifying information (e.g. phone numbers or photos) without permission
  • Blackmailing someone into revealing embarrassing or private information (not limited to sexual content)
  • Creating a profile with the intention of defaming someone
  • Failing to show up for a planned in-person meet-up that was clearly agreed to by both parties
  • Sharing content that is disrespectful toward victims or families affected by suicide, self-harm, or eating disorders

This applies to everyone, including public figures. You are free to express criticism, but abusive conduct of any kind will not be tolerated.

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IDENTITY-BASED HATE

Lokal via its platform enables a space for kind, respectful engagement and content sharing facilitating growth. We do not allow any content or behavior that promotes hate, targets someone’s identity, or dehumanises people based on who they are.

You must not discriminate against, harass, or insult anyone based on:

  • Gender, race, ethnicity, religion, caste, or disability
  • Sexual orientation, nationality, or immigration status
  • Serious health condition or belief system
  • Physical features such as skin tone, facial structure, or hair texture
  • Traits commonly linked to ancestry or genetic background

Any behavior that spreads contempt, hate, or degradation toward marginalised communities is strictly prohibited.

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DANGEROUS ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS

We do not allow any person or group associated with violence, hate, or terrorism to use platforms enabled by Lokal. This includes individuals or organisations that:

  • Promote or support violent missions
  • Glorify or justify hate-based or terrorist activities
  • Are known to be linked to dangerous or extremist ideologies

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INAUTHENTIC PROFILES

Lokal via its platform enables a space for authentic, genuine engagement and content sharing. All members must represent themselves truthfully. You may not:

  • Impersonate someone else including through malicious deepfakes
  • Misrepresent key facts about yourself (e.g. age, gender,)
  • Create a false persona or ‘catfish’ other members

Profiles found to be misleading, or fake may be removed.

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MISINFORMATION

We do not allow the sharing of false or misleading information that could cause serious harm or put people at risk. This includes:

  • Content that goes against guidance from reputable health organisation or public health authorities
  • False or misleading claims about elections, government processes, or civic events
  • Dangerous conspiracy theories that promote fear, mistrust, or harmful actions
  • Information which is patently false and untrue

Sharing such content, even unintentionally, can harm individuals and communities and will not be tolerated.

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PHYSICAL AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Violence has no place on the platforms enabled by Lokal. We do not allow any content, images, or behavior that involves or threatens real-world physical or sexual harm. This includes:

  • Physical stalking
  • Using the platform to support or enable exploitation or human trafficking
  • Sexual assault, which we define as any unwanted or attempted physical contact of a sexual nature

Any account involved in these behaviours will be removed and may be reported to authorities.

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SCAMS AND THEFT

Lokal does not tolerate any attempt to scam, deceive, or take advantage of other members for financial or material gain. This includes faking relationships, lying about who you are, or making false requests for money or support. The following are strictly prohibited:

  • Asking other members for money, loans, investments, or donations
  • Lying about your intentions to gain financial or material benefits
  • Pretending to be romantically interested in someone to manipulate or extract money or gifts
  • Misrepresenting key facts about yourself (e.g. name, gender, age, or location) for financial gain
  • Taking someone’s property or belongings without their knowledge or permission

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Asking for or sharing one-time passwords, or details of any payment instruments under any circumstances. This information is private and should not be shared with anyone, even if they claim to be representing any platform/s enabled by Lokal. Any such activity may lead to permanent removal from the platform and may be reported to authorities.

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SUICIDE AND SELF-INJURY PROMOTION

We care deeply about our members and understand that some people may struggle with mental health, self-injury, suicidal thoughts, substance use, or eating disorders. Lokal enables platform by creating safe space for one-on-one engagement & conversation and authentic and genuine content sharing, not harm.

You are welcome to share your personal experiences in a respectful and responsible way. However, we do not allow any content that depicts, encourages, glorifies, or helps others engage in dangerous behaviours.

The following are strictly prohibited:

  • Encouraging, promoting, glorifying, or giving instructions for suicide or self-injury
  • Depicting, promoting, or normalising disordered eating, extreme dieting, or unhealthy body image
  • Sharing graphic images of self-injury or suicide
  • Posting content that is disrespectful toward victims, survivors, or families affected by suicide, self-injury, or eating disorders
  • Participating in or promoting dangerous viral challenges or stunts that could cause serious harm

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VIOLENT AND GRAPHIC CONTENT

Lokal via its platforms does not allow any violent, graphic, or gory content. This includes disturbing visuals, descriptions of violence, or imagery that may cause shock or distress. You may not share the following content:

  • Photos or videos showing real or realistic-appearing:
  • Blood or bodily fluids
  • Graphic injuries or wounds (including self-harm, hunting injuries, or injuries from food preparation)
  • Human bones or internal organs
  • Fetal remains or miscarriages
  • Medical procedures shown in a graphic way
  • Images or content that depict:
  • Violent or graphic death or injury
  • Human remains or corpses
  • Guns or weapons (except when worn by uniformed law enforcement or military personnel)
  • Kidnapping or abduction
  • Statements of intent to commit, or advocating for, high-severity violence
  • Text content that includes:
  • Descriptions of violence or injury in usernames or profiles
  • References to violent acts in graphic detail

Mentions of dangerous organisations or individuals in a violent context and violent content of any kind, whether real, symbolic, or fictional, has no place on the platform.

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PLATFORM MANIPULATION

We prioritise fostering a community built on authentic and genuine connections, engagement and content sharing, so any attempts to artificially influence connections, matching, conversations, or engagement through the use of automation or scripting is strictly prohibited.

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FINANCIAL MISCONDUCT

We do not permit any activity involving illegal, unethical, or fraudulent financial behavior. This includes:

  • Money laundering or attempts to disguise the source of funds
  • Embezzlement or misappropriation of money or assets
  • Operating or promoting unauthorised gambling, betting, or lotteries
  • Scams or schemes intended to defraud users or bypass legal rules

Violations may result in legal consequences and account removal.

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VIRUSES AND MALICIOUS SOFTWARE

To protect our community, Lokal via its platforms strictly prohibits the upload or sharing of malicious digital content. This includes:

  • Using unauthorised software, tools, or modifications to alter how the Platform works
  • Employing automated bots, scripts, or exploiting bugs or vulnerabilities
  • Accessing platform/s through modified, rooted, or jailbroken devices
  • Creating multiple accounts, accessing others’ accounts, or tampering with engagement metrics
  • Developing or using tools that disrupt platform operations or extract data without permission

Deliberately attempting to compromise the safety or functionality of the platform/s or its members’ devices is a serious violation and may result in permanent account suspension and legal action.

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SPAM AND MISLEADING CONTENT

To keep platforms enabled by Lokal trustworthy and safe, we do not allow content that misleads users about its source, purpose, or intent. The following is strictly prohibited:

  • Posting deceptive promotions, clickbait, or content with misleading titles or descriptions
  • Sharing malicious links, including phishing attempts or links to malware
  • Posting spam or repetitive content meant to manipulate visibility or engagement
  • Promoting products, services, or offers in a way that is dishonest or unclear

Accounts repeatedly sharing spam or misleading content may be restricted or permanently suspended.

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THIRD PARTY CONTENT

Do not share content that belongs to someone else, especially if you do not have permission to use or publish it. You should not upload, share, or use any content that infringes the intellectual property rights of any third party. This includes using copyrighted material, trademarks, or other protected works without proper authorisation. However, limited use of such material may be permitted where it is allowed under applicable fair use laws, provided it complies with legal requirements for such use.

Users are responsible for ensuring that the content they post does not violate any third-party rights, including intellectual property rights.

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PROHIBITED USE OF PLATFORM/S INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND LICENSES

Lokal dedicates substantial resources to the development, protection and proper use of the its platform/s and intellectual property. This policy helps to ensure that Lokal and its enabled platform/s are not used unlawfully, without our prior written permission, or in a manner that is inconsistent with policies of the platform/s.

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PROHIBITED AND REGULATED ITEMS

Lokal via its platforms does not allow any trade or promotion of restricted or regulated goods and services. This includes:

  • Alcohol and tobacco products
  • Recreational drugs or controlled substances
  • Prescription medications and pharmaceuticals
  • Goods or services that require government permits or licenses
  • Sexual services or related solicitations
  • Content that promotes substance use or depicts alcohol, tobacco, or drug abuse
  • Anything in the nature of an online game that is not verified as a permissible online game
  • Anything in the nature of advertisement or surrogate advertisement or promotion of an online game that is not a permissible online game, or of any online gaming intermediary offering such an online game

Any commercial activity involving these items is strictly prohibited.

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ACCOUNT DELETION

Lokal and its enabled platforms responds to request for account removal in accordance with applicable laws and the terms & conditions of the platform/s. Each and every request is carefully reviewed.

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ACCOUNT AUTHENTICITY AND COMPLIANCE WITH PLATFORM POLICIES

Lokal enables platforms that are safe, authentic and compliant with relevant laws. Lokal thus restricts or removes accounts that are harmful to the community. We have built systems to restrict and remove accounts that are used to violate the platform policies across products. 

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NATIONAL SYMBOLS AND NATIONAL SECURITY

Respect for national identity and security is a core value of Lokal. The following content is strictly prohibited:

  • Disrespects or misuses of the Indian national flag, anthem, or any other official national symbol
  • Threatens the unity, integrity, defense, security, or sovereignty of India
  • Harms friendly relations with foreign states
  • Disrupts public order, incites cognizable offences, interferes with crime investigations, or insults other nations

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COMPLIANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS

All content and communication on the Platform must follow applicable laws, including the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Information Technology Act, 2000, and the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, along with their rules and amendments.

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WHAT HAPPENS WHEN GUIDELINES ARE VIOLATED

If a member/user behaves in a way that violates our Community Guidelines or harms the platform or its users, we may take action. This could include:

  • Removing specific content
  • Issuing a warning
  • Temporarily or permanently banning the user from platform/s enabled by Lokal

We consider several factors when deciding what action to take, including the severity, frequency, and impact of the violation.

We may also work with law enforcement if the behavior involves potential criminal activity.

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UPDATES TO COMMUNITY GUIDELINES

We regularly review and update these Community Guidelines to better serve our community. If there are significant changes, we will notify users through official channels such as SMS or WhatsApp. By continuing to use the platforms enabled by Lokal after any updates, you agree to the revised Community Guidelines. We also encourage you to check these Community Guidelines periodically to stay informed.