                      Code of Professional Standards
                   Association of Online Professionals


 I.   Members shall base their professional principles on the 
      fundamental value and dignity of the individual, holding that 
      the free exercise of human rights, including freedom of speech, 
      freedom of assembly and the protection of personal privacy, is 
      essential to the communication process.

      Interpretation for Article I:  
      For purposes of this article of the code, freedom of assembly 
      is defined as including electronic meetings, chat sessions and
      other public and private electronic gatherings of individuals.  

II.   Members shall conduct themselves professionally, with 
      truth, accuracy, fairness and responsibility, in accord with 
      the public interest and in such ways as may be required to 
      safeguard the public trust and confidence in online 
      communication systems.  

III.  Members shall commit themselves to improvement of their 
      individual competence and advance the knowledge and proficiency 
      of the profession through continuing research and education.  

IV.   Members shall deal fairly with the public and with fellow 
      professionals, giving due respect to the rights and legitimate 
      interests of others.   

      Interpretation for Article IV:
      In the process of managing online communications, members shall 
      accord each individual the right to freedom of speech as appropriate 
      to the nature of the online system and its activities, but will 
      not permit such freedom to extend to derogatory comments toward 
      any individual that are based on race, gender, religion, creed, 
      sexual orientation or physical handicap.  

V.    Members shall accord due respect to the law, practicing 
      strict adherence to all laws, regulations and standards that 
      govern their individual and professional practices.   

      Interpretation for Article V:        
      It is the responsibility of members to be conversant with the 
      various statutes, local, state, and federal, governing such 
      activities and to adhere to them strictly. This includes, but is 
      not limited to, the various local, state, and federal laws, court 
      decisions, and official interpretations governing computer 
      systems, electronic communications, online systems, and the 
      like. In carrying out this responsibility, members shall seek 
      appropriate counseling whenever necessary.  

VI.   Members shall respect the rights of the owners of 
      intellectual properties, including software authors, providing 
      proper diligence and reasonable effort to prevent the 
      infringement of copyrights, patents and other protections.  

VII.  Members shall not knowingly create, acquire, distribute or 
      allow intentional distribution of materials that violate the 
      legitimate use or integrity of the channels of electronic 
      communication, online services, computer systems or their 
      contents.

      Interpretation for Article VII:
      Clearly stated, this makes it a violation of the Code to create 
      or distribute virii, trojan horses, worms, etc., and to 
      disseminate files or information designed to encourage users to
      "phreak", "hack systems" or otherwise violate the law.  An 
      exception of this case would be the dissemination of legitimate 
      research information or warnings.  

VIII. Members shall not knowingly disseminate false or 
      misleading information and shall act promptly to correct 
      erroneous communications for which he or she is responsible, or 
      which has originated from or resides on his or her system.  

IX.   Members shall use proper diligence to ensure that materials 
      inappropriate for persons below the age of majority be clearly 
      identified, and that online or electronic access to such 
      materials be restricted in accordance with applicable laws, 
      regulations and the tenets of reasonable precaution.   

      Interpretation for Article IX:        
      Members should comply with the applicable laws, ordinances and 
      regulations for adult services via telephone, which require the
      system operator to take prescribed steps to assure that minors 
      are prevented from having access to these communications.  

X.    Members shall, as soon as possible, sever relations with any 
      organization or individual if such relationship requires conduct
      contrary to the articles of this Code.


The Code of Professional Standards was created by a committee 
of AOP members and approved by the Board of Directors on 
January 13, 1995.
