Set moderation rules that match how your platform actually operates

A dedicated policy becomes important when your platform hosts reviews, listings, comments, messages, uploads or other user-generated content and your team is making moderation calls in real time. General website terms often do not explain how content is reported, assessed, restricted or removed in enough detail. A separate moderation policy can help set expectations for users and staff, particularly if you deal with repeat complaints, harmful content reports, impersonation issues, marketplace listings, or different moderation actions such as warning, suspension or removal.

It will often cover what content is allowed or prohibited, how users can report issues, how moderation decisions are made, what interim actions may be taken, when content may be removed, and what happens to repeat offenders. Depending on the platform, it may also address account restrictions, appeal or review pathways, recordkeeping, use of automated tools, staff escalation, and how moderation interacts with your terms of use or privacy position. The wording should reflect the information your business collects, the reasons it is used and the parties it is shared with.

We usually need a practical picture of the platform, including what users can post, who can see it, whether content is pre-screened or reviewed after publication, and who inside the business handles complaints or takedowns. It also helps to know whether moderation is done by employees, contractors or a mix of both, because the factual working arrangement can matter as much as the contract wording. If you use automated filters, community reporting, or marketplace seller tools, those details can shape the policy wording as well.

Templates can be a starting point, but they often stay too generic for a live platform. They may not fit your reporting channels, escalation process, user roles, or the kinds of content problems that arise in your sector. A marketplace handling seller listings, for example, may need different wording from a community forum or review site. A generic template can also create a mismatch between your written policy and your actual moderation practices, which is risky if users challenge a removal decision or point to inconsistent enforcement.

No. This service is for the policy document and related legal input on its wording. It does not include coding the policy into your platform, setting up moderation tools, security fixes, or representing you in a dispute with users or third parties. It also does not cover ongoing HR management if moderation is carried out by staff. If you need broader support, such as updating your terms of use or reviewing privacy wording alongside the moderation policy, that may be arranged as separate legal work.

Submit an enquiry on this page or click 'Get started'. One of our legal consultants will review it within 1 business day and get in touch to understand what you need.

Your consultant will then email you a fixed-fee quote setting out the cost, scope and timing. If you're happy with it, you can accept the quote and sign our engagement letter online.

Once you've accepted, one of our Australian-qualified lawyers will work with you to complete your project. They'll contact you by email or phone if they need anything.

Sprintlaw works on fixed-fee pricing wherever possible, so you can review the scope and cost before you decide whether to proceed. For the Content Moderation Policy service, pricing starts from $900.00.

After you enquire, a legal consultant will confirm what is included, the expected timing and whether any extra work is needed before you engage us.

We work online, so we can help wherever you are in New Zealand. Our team works remotely, mainly from Australia.

Your work is done by our Australian-qualified lawyers, who hold Australian practising certificates and specialise in business law. None of them are New Zealand lawyers or hold a New Zealand practising certificate.

Sprintlaw NZ Limited is a legal consultancy, not a law firm, and is not regulated by the New Zealand Law Society. We don't act in court or tribunal matters, conveyancing (including leases and business sales) or other reserved areas of work. Communications with Sprintlaw are unlikely to be protected by legal professional privilege. We still keep everything confidential under our engagement letter.