Terms and Conditions

DSC Community Rules, Etiquette, and Privacy Guidelines

Thank you for being part of the Digital Services Coalition (DSC) Online Community. To ensure the best possible experience for all members, we have established some basic guidelines for participation. Effective as of May 15, 2026, these rules govern your participation in DSC’s online community spaces, including discussion forums, messaging features, and related services.

By joining and using this community, you agree that you have read and will follow these rules and guidelines. You also agree to keep discussions, shared files, and content relevant to the purpose of this community. This is a collaborative space for sharing knowledge, discussing challenges, and improving government digital services. If you have questions about these guidelines, please contact community@digitalservicescoalition.org.

Community Rules

1. Respect Others

  • Focus on the content of posts, not on personal critiques of those making them.

  • Engage in civil, professional discussions and avoid personal attacks.

2. Respect the Purpose of the Community

  • Use the DSC Community Platform to share successes, challenges, insights, and constructive feedback.

  • If you have found a tool or service useful, share your experience objectively and transparently.

3. Contribute Thoughtfully

  • Clearly state your topic in the subject line to improve engagement and searchability.

  • Avoid off-topic posts; start a new thread for different discussions.

  • If responding to a post, try to add value and input instead of just replying with one-word responses.

4. Respect Intellectual Property & Confidentiality

  • Share only content that you have created or have permission to use.

  • Properly attribute sources when sharing materials.

  • Do not post confidential government or client information.

  • Avoid naming government agencies, projects, or contracts unless the information is publicly available.

5. Follow DSC’s Ethical & Legal Standards

  • All discussions should align with DSC’s Community Standards, Values, and Anti-Trust Policy.

  • The DSC Policies and Communities standards may be revised from time to time and its the member’s responsibility to stay abreast of the changes.

  • Do not use this forum to facilitate price-fixing, market allocation, or agreements that violate antitrust laws, even in private communications.

  • Avoid statements that could be considered misleading, defamatory, or discriminatory.


The Legal Stuff

  • This community is provided as a service to DSC members. Discussions in this community are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal, procurement, or professional advice. Members should consult their own advisors before relying on any information shared here.

  • DSC disclaims all warranties related to posted information, including implied warranties of merchantability and fitness.

  • DSC is not liable for damages resulting from reliance on information shared within this forum.

  • DSC does not actively monitor discussions but will take appropriate action if violations are reported.

Content Ownership and Permission to Use

You retain all ownership rights in the content you post in this community. By posting, you grant DSC a perpetual, worldwide, nonexclusive, royalty-free license to use, display, copy, adapt, and distribute your content for purposes of operating and improving DSC programs, including this community, member communications, and DSC events and trainings.

DSC may also use your content in aggregated or anonymized form (for example, case studies, summaries of community discussions, or training materials) in public or member-facing resources, provided that such use does not disclose your confidential information or misrepresent your contribution. When DSC wishes to use non-anonymized content (such as quoting you by name, using identifiable screenshots, or highlighting a specific post) in public materials, DSC will either obtain your permission or provide clear notice and a reasonable opportunity to opt out.

This license does not transfer ownership of your intellectual property, does not allow DSC or any member to claim your work as their own, and does not override any confidentiality or contractual obligations you have to your clients or employers. 

Privacy Policy

Personal Information Handling

DSC will not sell, rent, or share personal information outside of the organization except as required:

  • Service Providers: Trusted third parties (e.g., event platforms) may receive minimal data to provide DSC-related services.

  • Business Transfers: If DSC undergoes reorganization or merger, personal information will remain protected under this policy.

  • Legal Disclosures: DSC may disclose personal information if required by law, subpoena, or to prevent fraud or misconduct.

External Sites

DSC is not responsible for external websites linked within discussions. Members should review DSC Community Rules, Etiquette, and Privacy Guideline\external privacy policies before sharing personal data.

Cookies

DSC may use cookies for basic analytics and personalization. Cookies do not collect personally identifiable information.

Security Notice

While DSC takes precautions to protect user data, members are responsible for maintaining the security of their own accounts and passwords.Users are responsible for activity under their account and must notify DSC of unauthorized use. 

Reporting Concerns & Enforcement

To report violations of these guidelines, email Leadership@digitalservicescoalition.org.

DSC reserves the right to remove content or suspend access for violations of these guidelines.