Content Policy

Welcome to ao3.info, a fanfiction website built for fans who love reading, writing, and sharing transformative works. This Content Policy explains what kind of content you can post here, what you might see while browsing, and what we do when something is reported. The goal is simple: keep the site usable, safe, and respectful of creators and readers.

1. Our Core Principle

ao3.info supports creative freedom and a wide range of fan-created content. You may encounter everything from light, fluffy stories to darker themes and mature topics. Different readers have different comfort levels, and that’s okay.

We are not here to judge tastes. Instead, we expect creators to label their works clearly and readers to use filters and tags to curate their own experience.

2. Your Toolkit: Ratings, Warnings, and Tags

Clear labeling helps readers make informed choices. If you publish content on ao3.info, you are responsible for using ratings and warnings honestly and for adding tags that reflect the major themes of your work.

Ratings

Ao3.info uses a simplified rating system. Works posted on this site must not include mild violence, explicit language, intense violence, graphic erotic content, graphic material, or very graphic violence.

All content should remain suitable for a general audience. If a work would reasonably require content warnings or mature classification, it should not be posted on ao3.info.

Creators are responsible for ensuring that their submissions comply with this standard before publishing.

Warnings

If your work includes major potentially distressing content, you must use clear warnings. If you do not want to specify details, you may use a general “chose not to warn” style label, but you should not mislead readers.

Label accordingly. If you are unsure, choose the safer option and warn.

Additional Tags

Tags are how readers find what they want and avoid what they don’t. Use tags for relationships, fandoms, characters, tropes, and key themes. Helpful tags include things like “Fluff,” “Angst,” “Happy Ending,” “Alternate Universe,” “Canon-Typical Violence,” or other clear descriptors.

Do not use tags to trick readers. If the work contains a major theme, the tags should reflect it.

3. What Is Not Allowed

ao3.info aims to be open to many kinds of fanworks, but some content is not permitted for legal, safety, or site-quality reasons.

Illegal Content

Do not post content that is illegal in your jurisdiction or that violates applicable law. Content involving child sexual abuse material is strictly prohibited. If we become aware of illegal content, we may remove it and may take additional steps required by law.

Plagiarism and Impersonation

Only post content you created or have permission to post. Copying someone else’s work and presenting it as your own is not allowed. Impersonating another creator, reposting without permission, or using misleading authorship claims may result in removal and account restriction.

Spam, Malware, and Abuse

Do not post spam, scams, automated promotions, or malicious links. Do not harass, threaten, or target other users. Content or behavior designed to disrupt the community or the site may be removed.

Non-Content Misuse

ao3.info is intended for fanworks and related discussion. Pages used primarily for commercial advertising, link farming, or unrelated promotional content may be removed.

4. Content You May See Here

Because ao3.info allows a wide range of creative expression, you may encounter mature or sensitive themes. Use ratings, warnings, and tags to decide what to read. If you are under the age required to view mature material in your country, do not access it.

5. Reporting and Enforcement

We do not review every submission before it appears. Enforcement is generally report-based. If you believe content violates this policy or our Terms of Service, you can report it. We will review reports using this policy, focusing on clear rule violations rather than personal preference.

Actions may include content edits requests, content removal, account restrictions, or account termination for repeat or severe violations.

6. Copyright and DMCA

If you believe content on ao3.info infringes your copyright, you may submit a takedown request. We respond to valid copyright notices and may remove or disable access to the material. Repeat infringers may lose access to posting features.

7. Anonymity and Safety

We allow pseudonyms and do not require creators to use real names. Do not post someone else’s private information without permission. Doxxing or sharing private details intended to harass or endanger someone is not allowed.

8. Policy Updates

We may update this Content Policy to reflect new legal requirements, safety needs, or improvements to the site. Continued use of ao3.info after an update means you accept the revised policy.

Thank you for helping keep ao3.info welcoming and usable for everyone. Tag clearly, respect other creators, and use filters to shape your reading experience.