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Cybersmile Sign #HackHarassment Pledge

The #HackHarassment campaign has been gaining momentum since the original announcement earlier in the year. Working alongside such a positive group of organizations towards a common goal is truly exciting.

We are proud to announce that Cybersmile has officially signed up to the new #HackHarassment Pledge. The Pledge, which has just been announced at this years Recode Code Conference in California, is part of the #HackHarassment collaboration initiative to join together organizations and individuals in addressing online harassment and abuse.

The #HackHarassment initiative, led by the inaugural signers of the pledge, Intel, Vox Media and Born This Way Foundation, has made great progress since the announcement of #HackHarassment in January 2016. With various events being held by tech communities all over the world, the pledge is just one of a number of ideas and projects that are emerging from the melting pot of thought leaders and innovators that the initiative has brought together – we look forward to more positive news as the movement continues to gain momentum.

This latest step, which has come after six months of meetings, research and expert consultation, is a call for everyday internet users, web innovators and industry leaders to get involved and support the mission to reduce the prevalence and severity of online harassment by signing up to the pledge.

The Pledge was unveiled by Lady Gaga’s mother Cynthia Germonatta, co-founder and President of Born This Way Foundation. She was joined by fellow #HackHarassment partners Intel, Vox Media and Recode in revealing the #HackHarasment Pledge at the Code Conference in Ranchos Palos Verdes CA.

The #HackHarassment Pledge
Online harassment has become a pervasive and often vicious problem with real-life repercussions. It has significant negative consequences for the wellbeing and safety of individuals and for the success of digital communities. Everyone — regardless of their identity, background, or beliefs — is entitled to an online world where they are treated with respect and are free from harassment.
In order to build a safer, smarter, and more inclusive experience online, I will recognize when harassment is occurring, responsibly speak up against it, and support those experiencing it by:
• Abiding by and upholding the same standards and values online that are expected offline and accepting that my online behavior has real-life consequences
• Valuing and supporting diverse perspectives, backgrounds, and opinions
• Actively participating in the movement to decrease the prevalence and intensity of online harassment

In a heartfelt address to the assembled crowds, Cynthia Germonatta spoke of her own experiences with young people who have suffered online harassment, including her own daughter. She called upon the tech communities to sign up to the pledge and support the mission for providing a safer and more inclusive online experience for everyone.

We are so excited and proud to be involved with such committed partners in our mission to combat cyberbullying and abuse online, by signing the pledge we are stating our commitment to support and contribute to this groundbreaking opportunity. What are you waiting for? Join Cybersmile and all the other great companies/individuals in supporting the #HackHarassment initiative by signing up to the pledge and showing your commitment to a safer, more positive digital future for all.

If you are affected by harassment or abuse online then please visit our cyberbullying and digital abuse help center or check out our total access support services for the different ways we can help you. For further information about Cybersmile and the work we do please explore the following suggestions.

What do you think about Cybersmile joining the #HackHarassment campaign? Tweet us @CybersmileHQ!