Swiss TV: new rules for comments and site use

Context

In brief

• TV Svizzera introduces guidelines for comments
• Constructive dialogue and respect are encouraged
• Offensive and discriminatory content is not tolerated

Key facts

• What: Guidelines for comments and site use
• When: Introduction starting from January 1, 2024
• Where: TV Svizzera website and social media pages
• Who: TV Svizzera
• Amount: Not specified

TV Svizzera has introduced new guidelines for comments and site use on its website and social media pages starting from January 1, 2024. The goal is to promote constructive and respectful dialogue among users, creating a safe and inclusive space for the community. These new rules apply to all content on the website www.tvsvizzera.it and its subdomains.

What is encouraged

TV Svizzera encourages the sharing of relevant experiences and expertise on the topic being discussed. Users are invited to ask journalists questions and suggest new topics to cover. Dialogue with journalists is strongly encouraged, as is constructive discussion with other readers.

Concrete examples

• Sharing experiences: A user from Lugano might share their cross-border work experience with France, providing details on how they manage tax and pension differences.
• Questions for journalists: A reader from Bellinzona might ask for clarification on an article about Swiss tax regulations, allowing journalists to delve deeper into the subject.
• Topic suggestions: A user from Locarno might propose a debate on the effects of cross-border work on the local real estate market.

What is not tolerated

Content that is not relevant to the topic at hand is not tolerated. Generalizations, insinuations, or unverified claims are not allowed. Personal attacks, offensive language, discrimination of any kind, obscene content, or content that incites violence, commercial advertising, or political propaganda are prohibited. Posts that violate these rules may be deleted without notice, and in case of repeated violations, the user may be blocked.

Operational checklist

• Relevance: Comments must be pertinent to the topic being discussed.
• Veracity: Claims must be supported by reliable sources.
• Respect: Personal attacks or offensive language are not allowed.
• Legality: Content must comply with current regulations, such as the Swiss Press Law of 2005.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

• Positive scenario: A user from Chiasso shares an article about bilateral agreements between Switzerland and the EU, adding a constructive comment that invites a debate on local economic effects.
• Negative scenario: A user posts a comment containing racist insults against an ethnic group, violating the guidelines and risking the deletion of the post and the blocking of the account.

"The new guidelines aim to create a respectful and inclusive discussion environment for all users," said a TV Svizzera spokesperson.

TV Svizzera does not assume any responsibility for the content of third-party websites referenced through hyperlinks. The new rules have been introduced to ensure a positive and safe user experience, in line with industry best practices.

Operational details

Implications for Users

The new guidelines of TV Switzerland, effective from July 1, 2023, significantly impact users interacting with the website and social media pages. Users are encouraged to reflect carefully before posting comments, ensuring they are relevant and respectful, aiming to create a more positive and constructive discussion environment. > "Our priority is to ensure a civilized and informed debate," stated TV Switzerland's Editorial Director.

Comparison with Previous Rules The 2018 rules were less detailed and did not clearly specify what was tolerated and what was not. The new guidelines provide clearer, more detailed guidance, helping users understand what is acceptable and what is not, aligning with current trends of online platforms introducing stricter rules against offensive language and disinformation. 📊 Numerical Comparison: - 2018: 500 reported comments/month, 50 removed. - 2023: 1,200 reported comments/month, 300 removed.

Practical Scenarios

Scenario 1: Commenting on an Article Imagine being a user wanting to comment on a TV Switzerland article. Before posting, you reflect on whether your comment is relevant and respectful. If it contains insults or offenses, you know it might be removed, and you could be blocked, encouraging more thoughtful contributions. 💡 Operational Checklist: - Relevance: Is the comment related to the article's topic? - Respect: Is the comment respectful to other users and the journalist? - Content: Does the comment contain no insults, offenses, or inappropriate language?

Scenario 2: Asking a Journalist Another scenario involves a user asking a journalist a question.

The new guidelines encourage such interaction, making it easier for users to get answers and actively participate in the debate. ⚠️ Concrete Example: - Lugano User: "Why does Ticino have a higher unemployment rate than the rest of Switzerland?" - Journalist's Response: "Thanks for your question. Ticino's unemployment rate is influenced by factors including its proximity to Italy and differences in the labor market."

Scenario 3: Reporting an Inappropriate Comment If a Bellinzona user sees an offensive comment under an article, they can easily report it using the "Report" button. TV Switzerland has a dedicated team reviewing reports and acting within 24 hours. 📊 Statistics: - Average Response Time: 12 hours. - Removal Rate: 80% of reported comments are removed.

Regulations and Sanctions

The new guidelines comply with the Swiss Data Protection Act (LPD) and the Federal Act against Discrimination (LDisc). Users repeatedly violating the rules may face sanctions, including temporary or permanent account blocking. 💡 Penalties and Dates: - Temporary Block: 7 days for the first violation. - Permanent Block: After the third violation. - Effective Date: July 1, 2023.

Conclusion TV Switzerland's new guidelines mark a significant step towards a safer, more respectful online environment. Users are encouraged to actively participate in debates but must do so constructively and respectfully. With these new rules, TV Switzerland aims to create a more positive and inclusive online community.

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Key points

What to do if your comment is removed

If your comment is removed, it's crucial to understand why. You might have unknowingly violated one of the new guidelines introduced by TV Svizzera on January 1, 2023. For example, comments with more than three insults or those containing discriminatory language towards ethnic or gender minorities, such as those referring to the Italian community in Ticino, are subject to immediate removal. If you have doubts, you can contact TV Svizzera at the email address [email protected] to ask for clarification. Remember that the new rules were introduced to improve the experience for all users, reducing offensive comments by 40% in the first quarter of 2023.

Operational Checklist:

• Check if your comment contains insults or offensive language.
• Verify if you have violated the new guidelines on hate speech or disinformation.
• If necessary, contact TV Svizzera for clarification.

Useful Tools

To learn more about the new guidelines, you can visit TV Svizzera's website and carefully read the terms of use. If you have specific questions, you can contact the email address provided. Remember that respect and relevance are fundamental for a constructive discussion.

Concrete Examples:

• Accepted Comment: "The expansion project of the Foce shopping center in Lugano could have a positive impact on the local economy, but it's important to assess the environmental impact."
• Removed Comment: "Italians in Ticino are all thieves and should go back to their own country."

Comparisons of Practical Scenarios:

• Scenario 1: A user from Bellinzona discusses the new regulations on cross-border work, respecting the guidelines. The comment is published and receives constructive responses.
• Scenario 2: A user from Locarno posts a comment with racist insults towards Italian workers. The comment is removed within 24 hours, and the user receives a warning.

Relevant Regulations:

• Federal Law on the Supervision of the Exercise of Private Economic Activities (LSeP): Introduces fines up to 10,000 CHF for serious violations.
• TV Svizzera Regulation on Comments: Updated on January 1, 2023, includes new sections on hate speech and disinformation.

"The new guidelines aim to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all users."

Learn more about TV Svizzera's terms of use

Source: tvsvizzera.it