DeviantArt allows freedom of expression for a wide range of posts which can include the expression of negative opinions, dislikes, and potentially rude or offensive statements. 

DeviantArt policy draws a distinct line between these types of speech and posts which may proclaim, glorify, or encourage violent or dangerous actions.

Groups and individuals will be evaluated based on their behavior both online and offline, with the focus of any such review being based on ties to violence or connections to violent events.

Under this policy, we reserve the right to designate individuals, organizations, and networks of people as a dangerous individual or as a dangerous group. Once designated in this manner, the presence of profiles, DeviantArt Groups, submitted content, and other types of posts affiliated with or relating to these individuals or groups can be subjected to more extensive moderation efforts by our staff.

We understand real world violence can spark valuable conversations, including controversial subjects such as racism, sexism, gender identity, extremism, and fringe politics, where historical context can be given to current events, concerns can be expressed, and feelings on the subject can be discussed.

DeviantArt supports and encourages these valuable conversations of what can involve very difficult and emotional subjects.

We also recognize that users may share content that includes references to organizations, individuals, and ideologies which we have designated as dangerous. This includes content and posts which may report on, condemn, or neutrally discuss them or associated activities. Our policies are designed to take these types of discussions and mentions into account and to allow for them to occur—we encourage these conversations.

In some cases, in addition to the exceptions previously mentioned, we may allow content that could otherwise be considered in violation of DeviantArt policies if it is determined that the content is satirical. These exceptions will only be allowed if the violating elements of the content or post are being satirized, parodied, or attributed to something or someone else in order to mock or criticize.

Decisions concerning whether or not content qualifies as satire, or qualifies for any exception to these policies, will be made by DeviantArt staff using a specific set of criteria. 

We require members to clearly indicate their intent when creating or sharing content which involves these individuals and groups and the statements and actions made by them. 

If you make such a post, but your intention is left ambiguous or unclear, we may remove your content or post by default.

DeviantArt may designate an individual or group as dangerous because they have, or are currently, engaged in serious offline violence or other harms.

An individual person may be designated due to their participation in a violent event or activity. Serial killers and individuals engaged in mass-murder, such as spree shooters or school shooters, are examples of individuals who may be designated. Individuals may also be designated due to a position of influence or leadership in a group which has been designated as dangerous. Individuals may also include members previously banned by DeviantArt for promoting hatred or for engaging in severely disruptive activities. 

Groups and organizations may be designated due to such activities as organizing or advocating for violence against civilians, repeatedly dehumanizing or advocating for harm against people based on protected characteristics, or engaging in systematic criminal operations.

Examples include: terrorist, hate, and criminal organizations, including those designated by the United States government as Specially Designated Narcotics Trafficking Kingpins (SDNTKs); and terrorist organizations, including entities and individuals designated by the United States government as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) or Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs). 

Groups may include certain social movements and conspiracy networks in addition to more formal groups and organizations.

We may also designate individuals or groups which demonstrate strong intent to engage in offline violence in the near future, but which have not yet necessarily engaged in that violence.

When reviewing content or a post which involves an ideology which we have designated as dangerous, we recognize that not all inclusions are harmful. 

Our policies recognize that some ideologies can have a role in discussions or fictional works which involve history, alternate history and other fantasy themes. We also recognize that some ideologies may be utilized in the role of an antagonist in content or as an embellishment. Our staff is aware of these potential situations and will consider the context during any review.

A partial list of these ideologies include:

We remove explicit praise, substantive support, and representation of these ideologies, and may remove individuals and organizations that ascribe to one or more of these ideologies.

As stated, our moderation staff will remove praise, substantive support, and representation of various organizations or individuals which we have designated as dangerous. For groups, these concepts apply to the organizations themselves, their activities, and their members. 

Our moderation efforts in these areas do not forbid peaceful advocacy for particular political outcomes.

Some examples of what is considered to be praise:

Some examples of what is considered to be substantive support are:

Some examples of what is considered to be representation are: