Banning users

[pinkfreak]

Some of my members have requested to be moved from my message board. I have banned their username and IP, but have left their posts. Am I required to remove these, even though they posted knowing it was the world wide web?

[Gary]

It's entirely up to you. Personally, I dont remove posts from banned members.

[pinkfreak]

If they request to be 'removed' from the site, as in having no more access - would you still delete them?

I personally don't want to, because most of these members started topics, then everyone's reponse afterwards would be gone.

Do I have to legally remove their posts if I own the site?

[Gary]

If they request to be 'removed' from the site, as in having no more access - would you still delete them?

Nope.

Do I have to legally remove their posts if I own the site?

Again. Nope.

[pinkfreak]

That's awesome to know! Thanks!

[pinkfreak]

Oh, and I tried doing a search here to look for proof of the legality of this information, but couldnt find any. Can anyone point me in the right direction? I don't want to do anything illegal, but I don't want to loose all my posts, and replies from my other 'active' members. TIA

[青山 素子]

If you are concerned, consult a lawyer. They will best know the law in your jurisdiction and be able to give you a qualified opinion.

As a note, many of us come from different areas so Gazmanafc's advice (from the UK), and my opinion (based on US stuff) might not apply to you at all, or might not apply to your specific situation (which changes based on if they had a membership agreement, etc). While we can offer our best opinion, a learned opinion will give you the best advice.

[Ol' Wombat]

Oh, and I tried doing a search here to look for proof of the legality of this information, but couldnt find any. Can anyone point me in the right direction? I don't want to do anything illegal, but I don't want to loose all my posts, and replies from my other 'active' members. TIA

The general forum world sees messages as their property even it usually never has been agreed to - legally a forum does not automatically own the messages and the postings' owner still holds all rights to his postings. Therefore you have to follow owner's wish.

In a courtroom case forum owners would be damned if they do not make it very clear posting ownership is transferred to the forum. It's a matter of modifying your registration rules to reflect the ownership situation. Only then you are entitled to keep other people's intellectual property.