Community standards

Overview

We are building a global network of Guruus—tutors, instructors, consultants, mentors, coaches, and service professionals—who use Guruu to share their knowledge. We value the diversity of our community and the different perspectives, beliefs, and experiences that make Guruu dynamic.

To maintain a respectful, inclusive, and safe environment for all users, we have established Community Standards to guide behaviour on our platform. These standards define what is acceptable across the Guruu marketplace, covering both in-session interactions and online communications. While they are not tied to any specific law, they govern platform policies and reflect our values of respect, safety, acceptance, support, and open-mindedness.

Like our community, these standards will evolve over time. The examples provided below illustrate unacceptable activities on Guruu but are not exhaustive. If you come across violations, we encourage you to report them using our tools so we can maintain a high-quality experience for all users.

Integrity and Authenticity

Misrepresentation

Misrepresentation includes fraudulent, negligent, or misleading statements, as well as omitting important facts.

Misleading Profile Information

Do not:

  • Use a fake name, location, gender, or photo in your profile.

  • Present fake documents if asked to verify your identity.

  • Write misleading information about your skills, experience, or education.

  • Provide licensed services without the appropriate qualifications.

  • Copy profile descriptions or other elements from other users.

  • Raise session prices via private messages after an initial agreement (bait-and-switch tactics).

  • Have someone else present in your session without prior written consent from the user (learner).

  • Use non-original images or videos in your profile.


Spam

Spam refers to unwanted, repetitive, and disruptive messaging.

Do not:

  • Send unsolicited offers, questions, or suggestions unrelated to a user's profile or sessions.

  • Distribute mass messages or misleading communications.

  • Use Guruu’s communication tools to promote external products, services, or websites.


Prohibited Services

While Guruu is an open marketplace, some services are prohibited for legal, financial, and ethical reasons. Below are examples, but this is not an exhaustive list.

Illegal or Financially Risky Services

Simply put, don't do anything illegal. Don't offer or request:

  • Illegal services or assistance with unlawful activities.

  • Fake documents, such as IDs, passports, driver’s licences, or bank statements.

  • Services requiring access to another user’s sensitive financial information.

  • Loans, donations, or investment-related services.

  • Trading signals, indicators, or any services with high financial risk.

Piracy, Hacking, and Third-Party Violations

Do not offer or request:

  • Hacking, cracking, or account verification services.

  • Pirated software, themes, or templates.

  • Any services that violate third-party terms of service.

Misleading and Fraudulent Services

Do not post, offer, or request:

  • Fake reviews, testimonials, or engagement (e.g., fake social media followers, likes, or views).

  • Deepfakes or AI-generated content used to deceive others.

  • Services promising guaranteed outcomes that are beyond your control.

Academic and Homework Services

Guruu does not allow services related to completing academic work, as this violates most schools’ Honour Codes and may constitute copyright infringement.

Do not offer or request:

  • Homework, essays, bibliographies, letters of recommendation, or college applications.


Objectionable Content

Hate Speech & Discrimination

Guruu strictly prohibits hate speech or discriminatory behaviour based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, marital status, religion, age, disability, or political affiliation.

Do not:

  • Use profane, violent, or dehumanising speech towards any individual or group.

  • Publish or request discriminatory content.

  • Refuse to work with someone based on protected characteristics.

Adult Content & Sexual Activity

Explicit sexual content is not allowed on Guruu. We immediately report content violating this policy to law enforcement agencies.

Do not:

  • Share nudity, adult content, or explicit sexual material.

  • Offer or request sexual services, sex chats, or fetish scenarios.


Violence & Criminal Behaviour

Threats & Incitement

Threatening violence or encouraging criminal activity is strictly prohibited.

Do not:

  • Threaten or promote physical harm.

  • Instruct others to break the law.

Self-Harm

If you encounter someone expressing suicidal thoughts or self-harm, please encourage them to seek help and contact local authorities immediately if appropriate.

For support, visit OpenCounseling.


Video Sessions & Recordings

All Guruu sessions are automatically recorded. You can access and download recordings from your dashboard. Guruu may delete recordings periodically to manage storage.

Do not:

  • Share, publish, or broadcast a recording without the written consent of all participants.

  • Use session recordings for unauthorised public use.


Reviews & Ratings

Guruu encourages all users to leave honest and constructive reviews. Reviews should not include personal attacks, misleading information, or privacy violations.

If a review violates our Community Standards, it may be challenged or removed.


By following these Community Standards, we can ensure Guruu remains a safe, professional, and inclusive platform for everyone. If you encounter any violations, please report them to help@guruu.co immediately.


Last updated: 18 March 2025