ClearCause Registry Public Interest Group Transparency Platform

PIG Compliance Requirements

All Public Interest Groups (PIGs) registered with ClearCause must adhere to the following compliance standards to maintain their registration and good standing.

Important: Failure to comply with these requirements may result in warnings, suspension, or permanent removal from the ClearCause Registry.

Contents

Overview

Public Interest Groups (PIGs) are Discord communities that represent themselves as operating for the benefit of others or in the public interest. As a registered PIG, your group has committed to maintaining high standards of transparency and accountability.

These compliance requirements exist to protect the communities you serve, maintain public trust in the registry, and ensure that PIGs operate in accordance with their stated purposes.

Core Principles:

  • Transparency – Operate openly and disclose relevant information
  • Accountability – Accept responsibility for your group's actions
  • Integrity – Act honestly and ethically at all times
  • Responsiveness – Engage constructively with inquiries and concerns

Governance Requirements

Leadership Structure

All registered PIGs must maintain:

  • A clearly identified owner or primary administrator
  • A minimum of three (3) trustees or responsible persons
  • Clear roles and responsibilities for leadership team members
  • A succession plan in case of leadership changes

Decision Making

  • Major decisions should involve consultation with trustees
  • Decision-making processes should be documented
  • Members should have appropriate input on matters affecting them

Leadership Changes

ClearCause must be notified within 7 days of any changes to:

  • The server owner or primary administrator
  • Any trustee or responsible person
  • Contact email addresses

Transparency Standards

Public Disclosure

PIGs must make the following information publicly available:

  • Your ClearCause Registration ID (e.g., PIG-ABC123)
  • The stated purpose and mission of your group
  • Names or identifiers of leadership team members
  • How to contact the group's administrators
  • Server rules and guidelines for members

Information Accuracy

  • All public information must be accurate and up-to-date
  • Misleading or false claims are strictly prohibited
  • Claims about achievements, partnerships, or endorsements must be verifiable

Registry Profile

Your ClearCause Registry profile must be kept current. Update your registration within 14 days of any significant changes to your group's purpose, activities, or structure.

Reporting Obligations

Monthly Transparency Reports

All registered PIGs must submit a monthly transparency report. Reports are due by the 7th of each month for the previous month's activities.

Reports must include:

  • Summary of activities during the reporting period
  • Membership and engagement metrics
  • Notable events, initiatives, or achievements
  • Challenges or issues encountered
  • Financial summary (if applicable)

Late Reports

  • 1-7 days late: Warning issued
  • 8-14 days late: Compliance status affected
  • 15+ days late: May result in suspension
  • 3 consecutive missed reports: Removal from registry

Incident Reporting

Significant incidents must be reported to ClearCause within 48 hours:

  • Security breaches or data incidents
  • Serious complaints or allegations against leadership
  • Legal threats or actions involving the group
  • Discord Terms of Service violations or warnings
  • Any incident that could affect public trust

Conduct Standards

General Conduct

PIGs and their leadership must:

  • Comply with Discord's Terms of Service and Community Guidelines
  • Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
  • Treat all members and the public with respect
  • Act in accordance with your stated purpose and values
  • Avoid conflicts of interest or disclose them appropriately

Prohibited Conduct

The following conduct will result in immediate review and potential removal:

  • Fraud, scams, or deceptive practices
  • Harassment, discrimination, or hate speech
  • Exploiting members for personal gain
  • Misrepresenting your relationship with ClearCause
  • Claiming false endorsements or certifications
  • Using registration status to mislead or manipulate

Member Protection

  • Members must be able to leave the group freely
  • Personal information must be handled responsibly
  • Complaints from members must be taken seriously
  • Vulnerable individuals must not be exploited

Financial Accountability

If Your PIG Handles Money

PIGs that collect donations, membership fees, or handle funds in any capacity have additional obligations:

  • Clearly disclose how funds are collected and used
  • Keep accurate financial records
  • Report financial activity in monthly reports (as ranges)
  • Never misrepresent how funds will be used
  • Ensure funds are used for stated purposes

Fundraising Standards

  • Be transparent about fundraising goals and purposes
  • Do not use high-pressure tactics or emotional manipulation
  • Provide updates on how raised funds were used
  • Do not imply charitable tax status unless you have it

What ClearCause Does NOT Do

ClearCause does not verify financial claims, audit accounts, or guarantee the financial integrity of registered PIGs. Members of the public should conduct their own due diligence before donating to any group.

Communication Requirements

Responding to ClearCause

  • Respond to ClearCause inquiries within 7 days
  • Provide requested information or documentation promptly
  • Be honest and forthcoming in all communications
  • Notify us if you need more time to respond

Responding to Concerns

When a concern is raised about your PIG through our reporting system:

  • You will be notified and given opportunity to respond
  • Responses should be factual and professional
  • Provide evidence to support your position where possible
  • Do not retaliate against individuals who raise concerns

Maintaining Contact

  • Keep your registered email address current
  • Check for communications regularly
  • Ensure at least one trustee can be reached at all times

Enforcement & Penalties

Compliance Monitoring

ClearCause monitors compliance through:

  • Review of monthly transparency reports
  • Investigation of concerns reported by the public
  • Periodic spot-checks of registry information
  • Review of publicly available information about your group

Compliance Statuses

  • Good Standing: All requirements met
  • Warning: Minor issues identified, corrective action required
  • Under Review: Serious concerns being investigated
  • Suspended: Registration temporarily inactive pending resolution
  • Removed: Permanently removed from the registry

Enforcement Actions

Depending on the severity and nature of non-compliance:

  • Informal Warning: Email notification of issue
  • Formal Warning: Recorded warning with deadline for correction
  • Compliance Plan: Required action plan with monitoring
  • Suspension: Temporary removal from public registry
  • Permanent Removal: Complete removal from ClearCause

Appeals

PIGs may request a review of enforcement decisions by contacting ClearCause within 14 days of the decision. Reviews are conducted by staff not involved in the original decision. Final decisions are not subject to further appeal.

Questions?

If you have questions about compliance requirements or need clarification on any aspect of these standards, please contact us through the registry dashboard or at our official contact channels.

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