HITCON Community Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct (hereinafter "this Code") applies to all online and in-person events organized by the Association of Hackers in Taiwan, including but not limited to conferences, meetups, general assemblies, and networking events, as well as any preparatory meetings, working sessions, or related occasions arising from the organization of such events.

All attendees, speakers, sponsors, partners, staff, and other individuals participating in an event (collectively, "Participants") must comply with this Code. The Association of Hackers in Taiwan and the organizing team of each event (collectively, the "Organizers") will enforce this Code throughout each event and look forward to the cooperation of all Participants.

The purpose of this Code is not to restrict open exchange, but to ensure that all Participants can take part in events, share knowledge, and build connections within a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment. By registering for or participating in any event organized by the Association, individuals are deemed to have read, understood, and agreed to comply with this Code, and to jointly uphold a positive community culture and environment for exchange.

I. Zero Tolerance for Harassment and Misconduct

The Association maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward any form of harassment, discrimination, bullying, or misconduct.

Prohibited conduct includes, but is not limited to:

• Offensive, discriminatory, hostile, or derogatory remarks targeting characteristics such as gender, gender identity and expression, age, sexual orientation, disability, physical appearance, body size, race, nationality, religion, or belief.
• Displaying, distributing, or encouraging the distribution of sexually suggestive, violent, humiliating, discriminatory, or otherwise offensive content at event venues, in presentation slides, on official social media, in communication groups, in online discussion forums, or in other event-related spaces.
• Deliberate intimidation, stalking, malicious following, persistent harassment, or other conduct that causes another person to feel threatened, unsafe, or unwelcome.
• Taking photographs, video, or audio recordings without consent for malicious or improper purposes, or continuing to do so after the individual concerned has explicitly refused.
• Persistently or intentionally disrupting the normal proceedings of talks, workshops, forums, discussions, or other official event activities.
• Physical contact without another person's clear consent, or any unwelcome sexual attention, sexual suggestion, or sexual harassment.
• Persistent humiliation, mockery, belittlement, malicious exclusion, cyberbullying, or other conduct that undermines the community's participatory environment.
• Any form of retaliation, including threats, exclusion, harassment, or other adverse treatment directed at a person because they reported an incident, assisted in an investigation, or provided information.

Special Provisions for Sponsors and Partners

Sponsors and partners are likewise required to comply with this Code. Booths, promotional materials, display content, and associated activities operated by sponsors or partners must not use sexually suggestive, discriminatory, humiliating, or otherwise offensive imagery, text, games, attire, or related content that may cause discomfort to Participants.

The attire and appearance of booth staff (including volunteers, community members, and partner personnel) should conform to basic standards of professionalism and respect appropriate for a public event, and must not be deliberately styled to create a sexually suggestive or uncomfortable atmosphere.

II. Response Measures for Violations

If a Participant is asked to stop any conduct that violates this Code, they must comply immediately and cease the conduct.

Depending on the circumstances, severity of impact, and available evidence, the Organizers may take measures including, but not limited to, the following:

• Issuing a warning and requiring the individual to immediately stop or correct the conduct.
• Requiring the individual to leave a specific area of the event or restricting participation in specific activities.
• Suspending or revoking event participation eligibility.
• Having staff escort the individual off the event premises.
• Restricting or denying the individual's participation in future events organized by the Association for a defined period.
• Where illegal conduct is involved, reporting the matter to the competent authorities or law enforcement in accordance with the law.

Individuals subject to measures for violating this Code may, at the Organizers' discretion, be denied a refund or receive only a partial refund. The Organizers will assess and handle each case based on the information available, and reserve the right to final interpretation and decision.

III. Reporting Channels

If a Participant experiences harassment, witnesses another person being subjected to inappropriate treatment, or has any concerns about the event environment, please contact the Organizers as soon as possible. The Association will handle related incidents in accordance with this Code and will, beyond what is legally required or necessary for investigation, make every reasonable effort to protect the identity and information of the reporting party and other individuals involved.

• On-site Staff

At in-person events such as conferences, staff will wear clearly visible identification badges or identifying attire. Participants may approach on-site staff for assistance at any time.

• Reporting Email

[email protected]

If you are unable to raise concerns on-site or decide to report an incident after the event has ended, you are welcome to contact the Organizers through this channel. Access to this mailbox is restricted to the Association's designated personnel responsible for handling such matters.

IV. Support and Safety Commitment

The Association and relevant event staff will receive briefings and training on this Code and related response procedures.

Upon receiving a report, the Organizers will, within the limits of available resources and circumstances, provide appropriate assistance to the extent possible, including but not limited to:

• Helping the reporting party leave the site of the conflict or arranging a safer space for them.
• Assigning appropriate personnel to help document or clarify the course of events and related information.
• Assisting in contacting accompanying friends, emergency contacts, or necessary support personnel.
• Assisting in contacting the venue, security personnel, medical services, police, or other relevant parties.
• Providing information on relevant legal, rights-protection, or other professional assistance resources, based on the individual's needs.

If an incident involves illegal conduct, the Organizers will cooperate with relevant investigation procedures to the extent possible and assist the individual in seeking appropriate external support resources.