Community Standards

Code of Conduct

MMAUG is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and collaborative environment across events, online platforms, shared resources, and community discussions.

1. Purpose

The Malta Microsoft AI User Group (MMAUG) is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and collaborative environment for all members, regardless of experience level, background, race or identity.

This Code of Conduct defines the expected standards of behavior for all participants across:

  • Community events, physical and virtual.
  • Online platforms such as Meetup, GitHub, LinkedIn, WhatsApp, and related community spaces.
  • Contributions to discussions, content, and shared resources.

2. Our Core Principles

2.1 Respect and Inclusivity

  • Treat all participants with respect, dignity, and professionalism.
  • Embrace diversity in background, skill level, and perspectives.
  • Always use inclusive and appropriate language.

2.2 Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing

  • Promote open knowledge exchange.
  • Support beginners and encourage learning.
  • Provide constructive feedback without hostility.

2.3 Integrity and Professionalism

  • Share accurate and truthful information.
  • Avoid misleading claims or unverified technical assertions.
  • Respect intellectual property and give proper credit.

2.4 Responsible AI and Technology Use

  • Promote ethical use of AI systems, cloud technologies, and automation tools.
  • Avoid discussions or demonstrations that promote harmful AI or security use without context or authorization.

3. Expected Behavior

Participants are expected to:

  • Be respectful and courteous in all interactions.
  • Listen actively and allow others to contribute.
  • Engage in constructive discussions, even when opinions differ.
  • Provide helpful, evidence-based contributions.
  • Follow event guidelines and moderator instructions.
  • Represent the community positively in public and professional spaces.

4. Unacceptable Behavior

The following behaviors are strictly prohibited.

4.1 Harassment and Abuse

  • Verbal abuse, intimidation, or threats.
  • Discriminatory language or behavior based on race, gender, religion, nationality, disability, or protected characteristics.
  • Personal attacks or sustained disruption of discussions.

4.2 Inappropriate Conduct

  • Sexual language, imagery, or advances.
  • Offensive jokes, slurs, or derogatory remarks.
  • Sharing inappropriate or explicit content.

4.3 Disruptive Behavior

  • Interrupting speakers or sessions repeatedly.
  • Trolling, spamming, or derailing discussions.
  • Excessive self-promotion without relevance.

4.4 Misuse of Community Platform

  • Sharing confidential or proprietary information.
  • Promoting illegal activities or unethical practices.
  • Unauthorized recording or distribution of event content.

4.5 Unapproved Advertising and Solicitation

  • Commercial advertising or solicitation is not permitted without prior explicit approval.
  • This includes paid training, courses, services, job postings, recruitment, and commercial offerings.
  • This applies across all community spaces, including events, chats, comments, issues, PRs, and direct messages initiated via the community.

5. Speaker and Contributor Responsibilities

Speakers, panelists, and contributors must:

  • Share content that is accurate, relevant, and appropriate.
  • Avoid disclosing confidential organizational information or client/employer-sensitive data.
  • Clearly state when expressing personal opinions versus factual information.
  • Acknowledge when unsure and avoid speculation.

6. Reporting Violations

If you experience or witness behavior that violates this Code of Conduct, please report it to the MMAUG leadership team via Meetup direct message, community leadership contacts, or official communication channels.

Reports will be treated with confidentiality, serious consideration, and prompt response.

7. Enforcement and Consequences

Failure to comply with this Code of Conduct may result in:

  • Verbal or written warning.
  • Removal from an event.
  • Temporary suspension from community platforms.
  • Permanent ban from the community.

The leadership team reserves the right to take action necessary to maintain a safe and respectful environment.

8. Alignment with Community Governance

This Code of Conduct operates in conjunction with:

  • MMAUG Community Governance and Operational Process.
  • Leadership policies and participation guidelines.

Violations may also impact leadership eligibility, volunteer status, and recommendation eligibility.

9. Commitment to a Safe Community

By participating in MMAUG, you agree to:

  • Uphold this Code of Conduct.
  • Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and professional environment.
  • Support the mission of advancing AI, cloud, and DevOps knowledge responsibly.

10. Disclaimer

All opinions expressed during MMAUG events and discussions are those of the individual speakers or participants and are not representative of their employers or affiliated organizations.

Participants are encouraged to speak truthfully and responsibly, avoid sharing unverifiable or sensitive information, and indicate when they will follow up on uncertain responses.

11. Acknowledgment

Participation in the Malta Microsoft AI User Group constitutes acceptance of this Code of Conduct.