Moderation is what makes a chat site with strangers actually usable. Without it, the loudest and rudest people set the tone for everyone. Here's how it works on Chat AHOY, so you know what to expect when you report someone — and what's expected of you.
Two layers: automated and human
Chat AHOY is monitored automatically day and night, and the team does manual spot checks on top. Every report from a user is reviewed too. The automated layer catches the obvious stuff; the human layer handles context.
What happens when you report a chat
- Hit the report button in the conversation.
- The report lands with moderation straight away.
- It's reviewed, usually within a few minutes, at any hour.
- If the house rules were broken, action is taken against the other account.
You don't currently get a follow-up message about the outcome. That's a deliberate choice for now, not a sign your report vanished.
What gets people blocked
The house rules are short and the terms of service have the details. In practice, these are the things that get accounts blocked most often:
- Seeking or offering explicit sexual contact, or sending suggestive content.
- Nudity or partial nudity on camera or in photos.
- Threats, racism, harassment or other abuse.
- Advertising and spam.
- Lying about who you are, including your age. Chat AHOY is strictly 18+.
Blocks can be temporary or permanent. For serious violations, Chat AHOY also reports to the police and hands over data.
Photos are checked before delivery
Every photo sent in a chat goes through moderation before the other person sees it. Inappropriate photos, or photos that appear to show a minor, are blocked. That's why a photo can take a moment to arrive.
What moderation doesn't do
- Read your chats for fun. Conversations are private. Moderation looks at a chat when it's reported, or when automated monitoring flags it.
- Block someone because you didn't click. Reporting is for rule violations. Someone you simply don't vibe with isn't a violation — just close the chat.
- Referee arguments. Moderation enforces the rules; it doesn't decide who was "right".
Blocking individual people
Chat AHOY doesn't have a block button yet. The team is working on it. In the meantime, closing a chat ends it, and the report button covers anything that breaks the rules.
Your side of the deal
Moderation keeps Chat AHOY pleasant, but it starts with every chatter. Treat people how you'd like to be treated, don't send anything you wouldn't want to receive, and report what you wouldn't want others to put up with. Questions about a specific situation? Contact us or visit the safety center.