Welcome to Dost App!

We are a community built on meaningful, kind connections and genuine engagement. To help maintain a safe, inclusive, and respectful space for everyone, we have put together these Community Guidelines. As an intermediary under Indian law, 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, and we are not directly liable for user-generated content or actions, except as required by law.

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

WHY THESE GUIDELINES MATTER

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

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.

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.

PROFILE GUIDELINES

Age requirement. You must be 18 or older to use Dost App. Creating a profile that shows you as under 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.

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 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 Dost App. This includes behaviour during calls, messages, and any profile content.

Reporting Violations. If you see content or behaviour that violates our Community Guidelines, please report it using the in-app block & report feature or by contacting us at +91 6301212626. We take reports seriously and will act to protect the safety and integrity of the community.

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

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)

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

No Commercial Sexual or Romantic Transactions

You may not use Dost App 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)

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment, which means unwanted, unwelcome, and non-physical sexual behaviour, 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

CHILD SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND ABUSE

Dost App 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 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

Sharing photos of children on Dost App

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.

BULLYING AND ABUSIVE CONDUCT

Dost App is a space for kind, respectful conversations. 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
• 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, photos, social media handles etc)
• 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 towards 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.

IDENTITY-BASED HATE

Dost App is a space for respectful, inclusive conversations. We do not allow any content or behaviour 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 behaviour that spreads contempt, hate, or degradation towards marginalised communities is strictly prohibited.

DANGEROUS ORGANISATIONS AND INDIVIDUALS

We do not allow any person or group associated with violence, hate, or terrorism to use Dost App. 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

INAUTHENTIC PROFILES

Dost App is built on genuine connections. 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 etc)
• Create a false persona or 'catfish' other members

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

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 organisations 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.

PHYSICAL AND SEXUAL VIOLENCE

Violence has no place on Dost App. We do not allow any content, images, or behaviour 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.

SCAMS AND THEFT

Dost App 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
• 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 Dost.

Any such activity may lead to permanent removal from the platform and may be reported to authorities.

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. Dost App is a space for safe connection and support, 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 towards 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

VIOLENT AND GRAPHIC CONTENT

Dost App 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

Violent content of any kind, whether real, symbolic, or fictional, has no place on the platform.

PLATFORM MANIPULATION

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

FINANCIAL MISCONDUCT

We do not permit any activity involving illegal, unethical, or fraudulent financial behaviour.

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.

VIRUSES AND MALICIOUS SOFTWARE

To protect our community, Dost App 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 Dost App 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 or its members’ devices is a serious violation and may result in permanent account suspension and legal action.

SPAM AND MISLEADING CONTENT

To keep Dost App 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.

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.

PROHIBITED AND REGULATED ITEMS

Dost App 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 licences
• 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.

NATIONAL SYMBOLS AND NATIONAL SECURITY

Respect for national identity and security is a core value of Dost App.

The following content is strictly prohibited:

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

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.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN GUIDELINES ARE VIOLATED

If a member 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 Dost App

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 behaviour involves potential criminal activity.

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 Dost after any updates, you agree to the revised Community Guidelines.

We also encourage you to check these Community Guidelines periodically to stay informed.