Terms & Policies
TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF USE
Effective Date: August 16, 2022
Last Updated: April 19, 2025
Welcome to Afrolongevity a nonprofit subsidiary of TAFFD’s (Transdisciplinary Agora for Future Discussions). By accessing or using our website, content, or services, you agree to abide by the following Terms and Conditions.
- Purpose and Institutional Identity
Afrolongevity is a Pan-African initiative dedicated to advancing longevity science, ethical health innovation, biophilosophy, regenerative policy, and inclusive well-being rooted in African values and biodiversity. This website serves as a knowledge platform, engagement tool, and collaborative gateway for scholars, citizens, policymakers, and institutions globally.
- Acceptance of Terms
By accessing this website or participating in any Afrolongevity activity (online or offline), you accept these Terms in full. If you do not agree, kindly discontinue use.
- Age Restriction and Access
Afrolongevity content is designed for users aged 16 and above. Minors must obtain permission from a parent or guardian to participate in any program, competition, or submission.
- Intellectual Property and Content Usage
All website content—including text, graphics, data, visuals, concepts, and frameworks—is the intellectual property of TAFFD’s and Afrolongevity unless otherwise indicated. You may use materials for personal, educational, or non-commercial purposes with proper attribution. Any reproduction, redistribution, or commercial use requires prior written consent.
Submissions (articles, ideas, innovations) may be reused under non-exclusive, royalty-free licensing for educational and advocacy purposes, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
- User Conduct and Community Ethics
Users agree to conduct themselves respectfully, ethically, and in alignment with Afrolongevity’s values of dignity, integrity, and scientific responsibility. Hate speech, misinformation, exploitation of indigenous knowledge, or disruption of community spaces will not be tolerated. Afrolongevity reserves the right to remove access, contributions, or profiles that violate these values.
- Privacy, Data, and Consent (GDPR-Compliant)
Afrolongevity collects limited personal data—such as name, email, and preferences—solely for engagement, research participation, or internal analytics. By using this site, you consent to our data collection, storage, and use as per our Privacy Policy.
Users have the right to access, correct, delete, or withdraw consent at any time by emailing: info@taffds.org, afrolongeviry@taffds.org
Cookies are used to improve site functionality. Continued browsing constitutes consent. You may disable cookies in your browser settings.
- Medical Disclaimer
Afrolongevity does not provide medical advice, diagnostics, or treatment. All health-related content is for educational purposes only. Users should consult certified health professionals before acting on any health-related information.
- External Links and Third-Party Content
This website may contain links to external platforms. Afrolongevity is not responsible for the content, policies, or security of third-party websites.
- Collaborations, Volunteers, and Research Contributions
Participation in Afrolongevity’s programs, including volunteering, research, or competitions, is governed by additional agreements. All contributors must uphold academic ethics, cultural respect, and scientific integrity.
Where applicable, institutional affiliations, informed consent, and authorship will be formally acknowledged. Use of indigenous knowledge, traditional medicine, or community data must respect local custodianship and obtain formal permissions.
- Licensing, Attribution, and Open Access
Afrolongevity supports open science. Content shared for public use will be clearly labeled with Creative Commons or other licensing terms. Proper citation is expected for academic reuse. Commercial use of any material requires licensing and approval.
- Limitation of Liability
Afrolongevity, its parent organization (TAFFD’s), and affiliates shall not be held liable for any direct, indirect, or incidental damages arising from use of the website or participation in related activities.
- Changes to Terms
We may revise these Terms from time to time. Major updates will be posted on this page and may be communicated to subscribers. Continued use of the website after updates implies acceptance of revised terms.
- Governing Law and Jurisdiction
These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. International users agree to resolve disputes under South African jurisdiction or through mutually agreed arbitration channels.
- Accessibility Commitment
Afrolongevity is committed to digital accessibility and inclusive user experience. If you encounter barriers to access, please contact us directly and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
- Contact
For questions, corrections, data requests, or legal inquiries, contact:
📧 info@taffds.org, afrolongevity@taffds.org
🌐 https://afrolongevity.taffds.org
📍 Johannesburg, South Africa
Afrolongevity is not just a movement—it’s a future ethic, crafted in Africa, shared with the world.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR)
At Afrolongevity, Corporate Social Responsibility is not a side project—it is the soul of our mission.
As a strategic Africare initiative of TAFFD’s, we recognize that advancing longevity in Africa demands more than science; it requires a commitment to social justice, intergenerational equity, cultural preservation, and environmental stewardship. Our CSR framework is therefore deeply embedded into every program, partnership, and policy intervention we undertake.
We commit to:
- Democratizing Longevity Science
We ensure that education, research, and innovation in lifespan extension are accessible across socio-economic, gender, and geographic boundaries. We design programs to reach underserved communities and engage youth, elders, and traditional knowledge bearers as co-creators of health solutions. - Promoting Health Equity and Intrinsic Capacity
We align our outreach and interventions with the WHO’s Intrinsic Capacity framework, targeting underserved rural and urban communities with initiatives that enhance self-care, vitality, and preventative health. - Protecting Africa’s Biodiversity and Indigenous Knowledge
Our longevity research is inseparable from ecological responsibility. We support biodiversity conservation, ethical use of local botanicals, and the preservation of indigenous dietary wisdom in all our science and product development pathways. - Driving Inclusive Innovation and Ethical AI
We foster inclusive med-tech innovation ecosystems across Africa, ensuring that AI, biotechnology, and digital health tools reflect local realities, cultural values, and regulatory safeguards. We advocate for ethical frameworks that protect vulnerable populations. - Building Resilient Communities through Policy Advocacy
We support health governance reform, data access, and sustainable healthcare infrastructure. Our community engagement and policy efforts aim to reduce the longevity gap through structural transformation, not charity. - Empowering Women and Intergenerational Knowledge Transfer
We recognize women as custodians of health knowledge and champions of care. Afrolongevity actively supports women-led science, social enterprise, and education, while facilitating intergenerational dialogues that bridge wisdom and technology. - Measuring Impact with Integrity
We publish transparent annual reports detailing our social, ecological, and scientific impact. Our partnerships are guided by ethical benchmarks and long-term vision, not short-term visibility.
Afrolongevity is a new ethics of care, crafted in Africa for the future of the world.
PRIVACY POLICY
At Afrolongevity, we are committed to safeguarding the dignity, autonomy, and privacy of every individual who engages with our platform. As a nonprofit initiative of TAFFD’s (Transdisciplinary Agora for Future Discussions), our operations are governed by the principles of transparency, accountability, and responsible data stewardship.
This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information in accordance with international data protection laws, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and emerging African data protection frameworks.
- Who We Are
Afrolongevity is Africa’s leading voice in the global longevity movement. Through education, research, policy, and public engagement, we aim to foster healthier, longer lives rooted in African bioethics and scientific excellence. Our digital platforms are tools of service—not surveillance—and we do not commodify user data.
- Scope of This Policy
This policy applies to all visitors, contributors, participants, and partners who access or interact with our website or digital services. It governs the collection and handling of personal data across all Afrolongevity programs, whether online or in person.
- What We Collect
We collect information only when it is relevant, necessary, and provided with your awareness. This may include:
Identity and Contact Information – such as your name, email address, phone number, and organizational affiliation.
Professional or Academic Data – if you submit research, proposals, applications, or join collaborations.
Usage and Technical Data – including IP address, browser type, referring pages, and time spent on site.
Voluntary Submissions – information you share via contact forms, registrations, surveys, or email correspondence.
- How We Use Your Information
We use your data only for purposes that serve our nonprofit mission. This includes:
- Managing your participation in events, programs, or projects
- Providing updates, invitations, and educational materials
- Facilitating collaborative research or innovation
- Monitoring and improving our website’s performance
- Complying with legal or regulatory obligations
We do not sell, rent, or commercialize your data under any circumstances.
- Legal Basis for Processing
Where required by law (e.g., in the EU), we process your data on the following legal bases:
- Consent – when you have explicitly agreed to data collection or communication
- Legitimate interest – in fulfilling our public interest mission
- Contractual necessity – if you participate in formal projects or partnerships
- Legal compliance – where required by public policy or funders
You may withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us directly.
- Your Data Rights
You may request to:
- Access your personal information
- Correct or update inaccurate records
- Withdraw consent to communication or storage
- Request erasure or restriction of your data
- Object to processing
- Lodge a complaint with a relevant data protection authority
We respect your rights and will respond in accordance with applicable laws and institutional best practices.
- Cookies and Analytics
Our website uses cookies and tracking tools to enhance user experience and measure engagement. These tools do not identify individuals unless voluntarily provided. You may disable cookies in your browser at any time, though some features may be affected.
A full Cookie Policy is available separately.
- Data Security and Retention
Your data is stored securely and protected through appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards. We retain personal data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes stated in this policy, after which it is securely deleted or anonymized.
- Third-Party Services
Our site may contain links to third-party platforms. While we strive to partner with trusted organizations, we are not responsible for the content or privacy practices of external sites.
- Children’s Privacy
Afrolongevity’s services are intended for individuals aged 16 and above. If you are under this age, parental or guardian consent is required. We do not knowingly collect personal data from children without proper authorization.
- Policy Updates
This policy may be updated periodically to reflect changes in law, ethics, or operational priorities. All changes will be posted here with a revised effective date. You are encouraged to review this page periodically.
Afrolongevity is built on trust. Your privacy is not a transaction—it is a commitment we uphold with every interaction.
COOKIE POLICY
This Cookie Policy explains how Afrolongevity, a nonprofit subsidiary of TAFFD’s, uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your browsing experience, analyze engagement, and ensure the integrity and performance of our website:
By using this website, you consent to the use of cookies in accordance with this policy—unless you choose to disable them through your browser or settings panel.
- What Are Cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device (computer, tablet, smartphone) when you visit a website. They serve a variety of purposes, such as remembering your preferences, improving navigation, measuring performance, and helping us understand user behavior.
Cookies cannot access personal data stored on your device or run programs or viruses.
- Why We Use Cookies
Afrolongevity uses cookies to:
- Facilitate core site functionality (e.g., language, navigation)
- Analyze how users engage with our content
- Improve performance, accessibility, and user experience
- Understand which pages or features are most valuable to visitors
- Track newsletter or event sign-ups for internal metrics only
We do not use cookies for advertising or commercial targeting.
- Types of Cookies We Use
- Essential Cookies
Required for basic functionality and site security. These cannot be disabled.
- Analytics & Performance Cookies
Help us understand user behavior, such as page visits, bounce rates, and referral sources. We use tools like Google Analytics, which anonymize IP addresses.
- Functional Cookies
Enable enhanced features like remembering your name or country on future visits, where applicable.
- Third-Party Cookies
Some cookies may be placed by third-party services integrated into our site, such as:
- Embedded videos (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo)
- Event registration or form platforms (e.g., Google Forms, Typeform)
- Collaboration tools or newsletter providers (e.g., Mailchimp)
These third parties may set their own cookies and have independent privacy policies. We recommend reviewing them separately.
- Your Cookie Choices
Upon your first visit, you will see a cookie consent banner. You can:
- Accept all cookies
- Reject non-essential cookies
- Customize your preferences
You can also manage cookies at any time through your browser settings:
- Delete existing cookies
- Block all future cookies
- Set notifications before cookies are stored
Please note: Disabling certain cookies may impact website functionality or your user experience.
- Data Collected Through Cookies
Cookies may capture:
- Your IP address (anonymized)
- Device type and browser
- Pages visited, links clicked, and time spent on site
- Language or country preference
This information is never used to identify individuals personally unless explicitly provided by you through forms or registrations.
- Policy Updates
We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in technology, regulation, or our use practices. Any significant updates will be announced via our website.
At Afrolongevity, data transparency is part of our ethics. Your trust is the foundation of everything we build.
RESEARCH ETHICS AND COMPLIANCE POLICY
- Preamble and Jurisdictional Authority
This document constitutes the binding Research Ethics and Compliance Policy of Afrolongevity, the first African-focused longevity science initiative and a subsidiary of TAFFD’s. Afrolongevity operates as a legal nonprofit entity under South African jurisdiction with active partnerships in global research ecosystems.
All research activities, knowledge extraction, and data engagements carried out under Afrolongevity’s name, logo, brand, platform, funding, or collaborative space are governed by this policy, irrespective of geographic origin, institutional affiliation, or academic discipline.
No individual or institution may claim research affiliation or representation under Afrolongevity without adhering to the principles, protocols, and approvals stipulated herein.
- Legally Binding Ethical Framework
Afrolongevity upholds a sovereign research code built on:
- The Declaration of Helsinki (2013)
- The Belmont Report (1979)
- The Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights (UNESCO)
- The Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS, 2010)
- General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
- The African Union Model Law on Medical Product Regulation (2021)
This framework is integrated with Afrolongevity’s Biophilosophy of Human Dignity, ensuring that all scientific activities are not only lawful but rooted in Africa’s cultural, ontological, and environmental context.
- Ethical and Legal Conditions for Research Activities
All research under Afrolongevity must satisfy the following core conditions:
- Prior Ethics Approval Required
Any research involving human subjects, biological materials, genetic data, indigenous knowledge, or community engagement must obtain documented clearance from:
- A nationally recognized Institutional Review Board (IRB) or Research Ethics Committee (REC)
- Afrolongevity’s Scientific and Ethics Oversight Panel (SEOP)
- Local community or traditional authority, where applicable
Failure to obtain such clearance invalidates any association with Afrolongevity and may trigger legal or institutional sanctions.
- Informed Consent Must Be Free, Prior, and Informed
Informed consent must be:
- Explicit and documented
- Culturally and linguistically appropriate
- Time-bound, and revocable at the participant’s discretion
- Obtained without coercion, threat, or transactional conditioning
Consent forms must disclose purpose, risks, funding source, and intended uses of all data or biospecimens.
- Sovereignty Over Indigenous Knowledge and Resources
Afrolongevity asserts legal and ethical protection over African-origin medicinal, botanical, and dietary knowledge systems. All research involving these resources must:
- Comply with the Nagoya Protocol (ABS)
- Secure community-level authorization and obtain Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with cultural custodians
- Ensure benefit-sharing mechanisms, including attribution, royalties, co-authorship, or shared IP ownership where appropriate
Exploitation of indigenous knowledge or bioprospecting without full disclosure and shared control constitutes a violation and will be prosecuted under local and international frameworks.
- Data Governance and Privacy Compliance
Afrolongevity adheres to strict data protection protocols, including GDPR, CCPA, and POPIA. All research-generated data must:
- Be collected only with lawful basis and subject consent
- Be anonymized or encrypted when possible
- Not be sold, transferred, or processed outside of the intended scope
- Be accessible to participants upon request
Cross-border transfer of research data must be accompanied by Data Processing Agreements (DPAs) and reviewed by Afrolongevity’s data compliance officer.
- Obligations of Researchers, Institutions, and Collaborators
Researchers, institutions, or entities affiliated with Afrolongevity must:
- Abide by all tenets of this policy
- Disclose any conflicts of interest, commercial affiliations, or funders
- Submit annual compliance reports for multi-year studies
- Publish results responsibly, ensuring peer review, accuracy, and attribution
- Ensure that local communities benefit from both research knowledge and any practical applications thereof
Noncompliance will result in termination of affiliation, retraction of support, and possible legal action.
- Publication, IP, and Authorship Protocols
Afrolongevity supports open science and ethical intellectual property stewardship. All research outputs must:
- Acknowledge community contributors, field researchers, and Afrolongevity’s institutional role
- Follow ICMJE authorship guidelines and COPE integrity standards
- Disclose whether any AI-generated content was used in the research or writing process
- Assign publication rights equitably and transparently
- Ensure data access is granted to participants, institutions, or policy bodies as needed
- Investigation of Research Misconduct
Afrolongevity defines research misconduct to include, but not limited to:
- Fabrication or falsification of data
- Plagiarism
- Coercion of participants
- Unethical use of community-derived knowledge
- Omission of necessary ethics approvals
- Breach of confidentiality agreements
Allegations will trigger a formal investigation by Afrolongevity’s Ethics Oversight Panel, which may involve partner institutions and legal counsel. Sanctions may include:
- Institutional reporting
- Legal liability under South African and international law
- Disqualification from future Afrolongevity programs
- Public listing of violations (for funder awareness)
- Governing Law and Enforcement Jurisdiction
This policy is governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa, international research ethics treaties, and the internal codes of TAFFD’s. All disputes or enforcement actions shall be handled through arbitration or legal proceedings in South African jurisdiction, unless otherwise agreed.
Afrolongevity is not a vessel for research extraction—it is a sovereign space of scientific rebirth. To research with us is to share in the ethical regeneration of Africa’s biological, intellectual, and philosophical future.
CONTRIBUTOR LICENSE AGREEMENT (CLA)
- Purpose of this Agreement
This Contributor License Agreement (“Agreement”) governs all original contributions—whether articles, essays, research summaries, datasets, designs, innovations, presentations, or multimedia content (“Contributions”)—submitted to Afrolongevity, a nonprofit initiative of TAFFD’s, for use across its digital, print, event, and educational platforms.
By submitting a Contribution, you (“Contributor”) agree to the terms below.
- License Grant
You retain full ownership of your original work, but by submitting it, you grant Afrolongevity the following non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, and irrevocable rights:
- To reproduce, modify, adapt, publish, translate, and distribute the Contribution in any media or format
- To use the Contribution for educational, research, nonprofit, and outreach purposes
- To credit you as the author or contributor where feasible and appropriate
- To sublicense the work for inclusion in Afrolongevity publications, platforms, partner journals, or compilations
- To archive the work indefinitely for historical, educational, and policy reference
This license is granted under the Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial–ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0), unless otherwise agreed in writing.
- Contributor’s Representations and Warranties
By submitting your work, you affirm that:
- The Contribution is your original work and you have full authority to license it
- It does not infringe any third-party copyright, patent, trademark, privacy, or confidentiality rights
- If co-authored or jointly developed, all relevant collaborators have given permission for submission
- It does not contain harmful, defamatory, misleading, or unlawful content
- It complies with applicable ethics, research approvals, or community permissions where necessary
You agree to notify Afrolongevity immediately if any part of the Contribution becomes disputed, retracted, or the subject of legal inquiry.
- Use of Third-Party Material
If your Contribution contains any material owned by someone else (e.g., images, data, or quotes), you must:
- Clearly identify such material
- Provide written evidence that you have permission to include or reuse it
- Ensure all attributions and citations are accurate and complete
Afrolongevity may decline or request revision of any Contribution that poses legal risk or lacks proper attribution.
- Editorial Discretion and Attribution
Afrolongevity reserves the right to:
- Edit or format Contributions for clarity, style, or consistency, without altering substance
- Include contextual or editorial notes as needed
- Decide the platform or medium in which the Contribution is published or presented
- Decline to publish any submission at its sole discretion
Contributors will be credited appropriately, and no major edits will be made without consultation for scholarly or scientific work.
- Moral Rights and Acknowledgment
This Agreement does not waive your moral rights to be recognized as the creator or to object to derogatory treatment of your work. Afrolongevity supports fair authorship, proper attribution, and transparency.
Where applicable, contributors may also be offered co-authorship, speaker invitations, or citation in collaborative outputs.
- No Compensation Clause
All Contributions are submitted voluntarily and without expectation of monetary compensation, unless otherwise agreed in a separate contract or funded grant agreement. Contributions are made in support of Afrolongevity’s public mission and nonprofit status.
- Confidentiality and Research Ethics
Contributors must not submit content that:
- Breaches participant confidentiality or institutional ethics
- Has not received appropriate ethics review board (IRB) or community consent (where applicable)
- Involves protected or indigenous knowledge without formal permission or benefit-sharing terms
Afrolongevity adheres to the Nagoya Protocol, GDPR, and all relevant global frameworks for ethical research, authorship, and data integrity.
- Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the Republic of South Africa. Any disputes shall be resolved first through good-faith dialogue and, if unresolved, through binding arbitration under South African jurisdiction.
- Acceptance of Terms
By submitting your work, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms of this Contributor License Agreement.
To formalize your submission, you may be required to complete a digital or physical signature form or acknowledge consent via email or web form.
COMMUNITY CODE OF CONDUCT
Afrolongevity is not just a platform—it is a movement for ethical longevity, African dignity, and scientific justice. Our community includes scholars, youth, elders, practitioners, policymakers, artists, researchers, and indigenous leaders across disciplines and cultures.
To preserve this diverse, respectful, and visionary space, all participants and contributors are expected to abide by the following Community Code of Conduct.
- Guiding Principles
Afrolongevity is built upon the following non-negotiable values:
- Human dignity is central: Every voice matters. Every person deserves respect.
- Science is for public good: We foster open knowledge, not elitism.
- Africa is not extractable: We protect, not appropriate, our ecosystems, wisdom, and people.
- Diversity is strength: We welcome all races, genders, faiths, ages, and disciplines.
- Intergenerational equity is foundational: We bridge ancestral knowledge with emerging science.
- Expected Behavior
All community members—whether staff, volunteers, visitors, researchers, or partners—must:
- Engage with respect, courtesy, and empathy
- Listen actively and avoid dominating spaces
- Attribute sources, ideas, and knowledge appropriately
- Uphold ethical communication across online and in-person platforms
- Honor consent, confidentiality, and cultural sensitivity
- Support others’ contributions and co-create inclusively
- Report misconduct, abuse, or violations in good faith
- Prohibited Conduct
The following behaviors are strictly prohibited and may result in immediate disciplinary action, including removal from events, online platforms, or collaborative spaces:
- Harassment, discrimination, or intimidation of any kind (based on race, gender, sexuality, disability, religion, etc.)
- Unauthorized use of personal, indigenous, or institutional information
- Plagiarism, misrepresentation of authorship, or exploitation of communal resources
- Hate speech, trolling, or verbal attacks (in person or online)
- Misuse of Afrolongevity’s name, logo, brand, or platform for personal, commercial, or political gain
- Breach of consent, privacy, or ethical research guidelines
- Online Engagement Guidelines
Whether on Afrolongevity’s website, email channels, forums, or social media pages, users must:
- Use professional, constructive, and inclusive language
- Avoid unverified claims, health misinformation, or pseudoscience
- Tag or mention others respectfully and only when relevant
- Not impersonate Afrolongevity or speak on its behalf without authorization
- Refrain from uploading unauthorized recordings or materials
- Inclusivity and Accessibility
Afrolongevity is committed to creating environments—physical or virtual—that are:
- Accessible to people of all abilities
- Safe for youth and elders alike
- Multilingual where possible
- Mindful of neurodiversity and different learning styles
- Respectful of traditional and spiritual practices when shared
If you need accommodation or feel excluded, you are encouraged to reach out in confidence.
- Accountability and Reporting
Anyone who experiences or witnesses a violation of this Code of Conduct may report it directly to:
📧 ethics@taffds.org, afrolongevity@taffds.org
📍 Community Engagement & Compliance Office – Afrolongevity
Reports are handled with confidentiality, non-retaliation, and due process. Where necessary, external mediation or legal support may be pursued.
- Disciplinary Measures
Afrolongevity reserves the right to:
- Issue private or public warnings
- Remove individuals from digital platforms or physical events
- Revoke contributor or volunteer status
- Report serious breaches to institutional or legal authorities
- Document and publicize bans (in severe or repeated cases)
- Community Commitments
By participating in any Afrolongevity initiative, you affirm your commitment to:
- Foster safe, inclusive, and innovative dialogue
- Uphold ethical responsibility in all contributions
- Respect others’ knowledge, time, and perspectives
- Be an ambassador of the values Afrolongevity stands for
- Amendment and Review
This Code of Conduct is a living document. It will be reviewed periodically in light of community feedback, evolving best practices, and legal developments. We reserve the right to update it and will notify members accordingly.
- Acknowledgement
Participation in any Afrolongevity activity—digital or physical—constitutes acknowledgment and agreement to abide by this Code. Where appropriate, formal acknowledgment (checkbox or digital signature) may be required for contributors, volunteers, or partners.
Afrolongevity is a commons of care, curiosity, and courage. The future begins with how we treat each other now.
SOCIAL MEDIA USE POLICY
Afrolongevity recognizes the power of social media as a tool for global education, advocacy, and collaboration in the field of longevity science. Our presence on platforms such as Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and emerging channels reflects our commitment to open science, intergenerational equity, and African-led health transformation.
To preserve the integrity of our brand and protect the voices of those we serve, this Social Media Policy governs how staff, volunteers, partners, and affiliated contributors may engage on social platforms—whether posting on behalf of Afrolongevity or referencing it in a personal capacity.
- Scope and Applicability
This policy applies to:
- All official Afrolongevity-managed social media accounts
- Posts, tags, or mentions referencing Afrolongevity on personal or professional accounts
- All staff, volunteers, ambassadors, interns, collaborators, speakers, or third-party media representatives affiliated with Afrolongevity
- Authorized Use and Representation
Only designated individuals approved by the Digital Communications Team may:
- Operate or administer Afrolongevity’s official accounts
- Speak in an official capacity on social media
- Announce organizational partnerships, appointments, press releases, or scientific results
- Use Afrolongevity’s logo, slogan, event hashtag, or institutional visual identity
Unauthorized individuals may not post on behalf of Afrolongevity. All requests to post official content must be submitted to: media@taffds.org
- Personal Accounts and Boundary Guidelines
Afrolongevity respects the right of individuals to express themselves online. However, when referencing your affiliation with Afrolongevity (e.g., as a volunteer, speaker, or collaborator), you agree to:
- Include a disclaimer such as: “Views are my own, not those of Afrolongevity.”
- Avoid using Afrolongevity’s logo, templates, or event branding without permission
- Not disclose internal decisions, draft documents, unpublished research, or sensitive partnerships
- Refrain from making defamatory, false, or misleading claims about health, science, or policy
- Avoid using your affiliation for commercial endorsements or political promotion
- Respectful Engagement and Content Integrity
All users engaging with Afrolongevity’s social channels must:
- Use respectful, non-discriminatory language
- Avoid hate speech, trolling, or misinformation
- Share scientific information only when sourced and verified
- Refrain from engaging in public arguments or polarizing debates in Afrolongevity’s name
- Credit content creators, researchers, and thought leaders when reposting or referencing their work
Content that violates these guidelines may be removed, reported, or legally challenged.
- Use of Hashtags, Event Coverage, and Multimedia
- You may use Afrolongevity’s official hashtags (e.g., #Afrolongevity, #ILSA, #AfricaHealsAging) to promote related content
- Photos, videos, or quotes from events must not be altered to misrepresent context
- Any live-streaming or re-broadcast of events must be approved in writing beforehand
- Consent must be obtained before posting identifiable photos of individuals, especially children, elders, or community members in health settings
- Content Review, Takedown, and Enforcement
Afrolongevity reserves the right to:
- Remove, report, or request takedown of content that misuses its brand, misrepresents its work, or violates this policy
- Restrict or suspend internal access to accounts in cases of abuse or breach
- Revoke collaboration status or volunteer privileges due to policy violations
- Pursue legal action in cases of impersonation, defamation, or intellectual property theft
- Crisis Communication Protocol
In the event of controversy, media misinformation, or public incidents involving Afrolongevity:
- Only the Executive Office, Legal Officer, or Digital Lead may issue statements
- All staff and volunteers must refrain from posting speculative or unofficial commentary
- Crisis response plans will be activated by the leadership team, including coordinated messaging and legal review
- Compliance and Reporting
If you see content that misrepresents Afrolongevity, violates this policy, or places the organization at risk, report it immediately to:
📧 media@taffds.org
📧 ethics@taffds.org (for violations involving defamation or discrimination)
Reports will be investigated confidentially and addressed in accordance with Afrolongevity’s internal accountability procedures.
- Amendment and Oversight
This policy will be reviewed annually and updated as necessary to reflect changes in platforms, laws, or organizational direction. It is subject to legal oversight by TAFFD’s and guided by ethical digital engagement principles.
- Acceptance
Engaging with Afrolongevity—whether formally or informally—constitutes acceptance of this policy. For roles that involve digital communications, a signed acknowledgement may be required during onboarding or activation.
Afrolongevity uses social media to amplify science, protect dignity, and inspire futures. Let us engage wisely, respectfully, and with the world watching.
