New Wave exists to support independent artists, not to control them.
We recognise that artistic expression can be challenging, provocative, unconventional, political, religious, satirical or personal. No artist should lose their platform simply because their lawful expression is unpopular.
1. Freedom of Artistic Expression
Artists may publish lawful music, lyrics, artwork, opinions and creative works regardless of popularity, genre, political perspective, religious beliefs or personal worldview. Controversy, disagreement, criticism, offence or public pressure alone are not grounds for punishment.
2. Protection Against Popularity-Based Censorship
New Wave will not penalise artists solely because their opinions are unpopular, their work causes offence, or a boycott or coordinated reporting campaign targets them. Content remains subject to applicable law and clearly published platform rules.
3. Protection Against Malicious Reporting
Members must not knowingly submit false reports, fabricate evidence or coordinate malicious reporting campaigns to silence artists. The number of reports alone shall never establish wrongdoing or justify punishment. Reports must identify an alleged breach of a specific published rule.
4. Fair and Evidence-Based Moderation
New Wave commits to fair, proportionate, context-sensitive moderation. Artistic intent, satire, quotation and legitimate criticism will be considered. Where consistent with legal and safety duties, artists will receive reasons for enforcement decisions and access to human review.
5. Protection Against Unnecessary Removal
Where a lawful, less restrictive measure can adequately address a genuine problem, New Wave will favour it over removal. Permanent account termination will be reserved for sufficiently serious or repeated violations, or where required by law.
6. Artist Ownership and Independence
Artists retain the intellectual property rights they hold in their original music and creative work. Uploading content does not transfer ownership to New Wave. Artists grant only the permissions necessary to operate the service, as described in the Terms of Service.
7. No Retaliation for Lawful Criticism
Artists may lawfully criticise New Wave, its policies, management or business practices without retaliation for that criticism alone. Moderation will not be used to suppress legitimate criticism of the platform.
8. Transparency and Appeals
Artists affected by moderation decisions will have access to an appeals process, subject to applicable legal and safety requirements. Successful appeals will result in appropriate correction or restoration where legally and technically possible.
9. Equal Protection
These protections apply equally to established and emerging artists. Popularity, sponsorship, donations or personal connections will not determine moderation outcomes. No sponsor or advertiser may purchase the right to suppress an artist's lawful expression.
10. Legal and Safety Responsibilities
This Charter does not protect unlawful content, credible threats, targeted harassment, exploitation, copyright infringement or other conduct prohibited by clearly published, lawful and proportionate platform rules. It does not prevent legitimate complaints, lawful investigations or compliance with applicable UK law.
11. New Wave's Commitment
New Wave commits to applying this Charter consistently, fairly and transparently. Material reductions in these protections will be clearly communicated and versioned. Previously permitted conduct will not be retrospectively treated as a violation without appropriate legal justification.
New Wave exists because of its artists. The platform must serve them, not silence them.
Charter version: 1.0
Status: Founding Charter —
subject to legal review before launch.