1. Introduction
Wanted People UK ("WPUK") is a platform that supports UK law enforcement by publishing appeals to help identify and locate wanted individuals. This Website User Behaviour Policy sets out the standards of conduct expected from all users of the platform. By using WPUK, you agree to comply with this policy at all times.
2. Purpose
The purpose of this policy is to ensure that the WPUK platform is used responsibly, ethically, and lawfully. It is designed to protect the rights of individuals featured on the platform, the safety of the public, and the integrity of ongoing law enforcement investigations.
3. Presumption of Innocence
All individuals featured on the WPUK platform are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Being listed on the platform does not imply guilt. Users must not treat or refer to any individual as guilty based solely on their appearance on the platform.
4. Responsible Identification
If you believe you recognise a person featured on the platform, you must report this information through the official WPUK lead submission system or directly to the police. You must not attempt to approach, confront, or apprehend any individual. You must not publicly identify or name any individual on social media or elsewhere.
5. Prohibited Behaviour
The following behaviours are strictly prohibited on the WPUK platform:
- Harassment: Threatening, abusing, or intimidating any individual featured on or associated with the platform.
- Defamation: Making false statements about any individual that could damage their reputation.
- Misuse of Images: Downloading, altering, or redistributing images from the platform for any purpose other than aiding identification through proper channels.
- Discriminatory Content: Posting or sharing comments that are racist, sexist, homophobic, or otherwise discriminatory.
6. Respect for Privacy
Users must respect the privacy of all individuals. You must not attempt to discover or publish the personal details (such as home address, workplace, or family information) of anyone featured on the platform. Sharing such information could constitute a criminal offence and may result in legal action.
7. Compliance with UK Law
All users must comply with UK law when using the WPUK platform, including but not limited to:
- The Defamation Act 2013
- The Protection from Harassment Act 1997
- The Malicious Communications Act 1988
- The Communications Act 2003
- The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018
8. Reporting Misuse
If you become aware of any misuse of the WPUK platform, including harassment, defamation, or misuse of images, please report it to us immediately at report@wantedpeople.uk. WPUK will investigate all reports and take appropriate action, which may include removing content, suspending accounts, or referring matters to the police.
9. Enforcement
WPUK reserves the right to take the following actions in response to breaches of this policy:
- Issue a warning to the user
- Suspend or permanently ban the user's account
- Remove any offending content
- Report the user to the relevant law enforcement authority
10. Responsible Community Participation
WPUK encourages all users to participate responsibly in supporting community safety. This means using the platform for its intended purpose: to assist law enforcement in identifying wanted individuals. It does not mean taking matters into your own hands. If you see someone you believe is wanted, report it — do not act on it.
11. Our Commitment
WPUK is committed to maintaining a safe, respectful, and law-abiding platform. We will continue to review and update this policy to reflect changes in law, technology, and best practice.
For questions about this policy, contact us at:
legal@wantedpeople.uk