Software code is not just content—it’s the foundation of critical digital infrastructure, and its unique functional purpose demands a specialized approach to platform governance. Unlike other digital media, code is widely duplicated, remixed, and shared under open source licensing terms, presenting distinct considerations for copyright and moderation. Additionally, the dual-use nature of software, such as security research projects, introduces complex challenges: tools designed to identify vulnerabilities can also be exploited for malicious purposes. Moderating a code collaboration platform requires careful consideration of open source software’s function as critical digital infrastructure and the network effects of takedowns. Likewise, code collaboration platforms must reflect the free and open source developer community’s values of collaboration and transparency, while empowering maintainers to support the health of their projects.

In this presentation, authors of the recently published article “Nuances and Challenges of Moderating a Code Collaboration Platform” in the Journal of Online Trust and Safety will discuss key takeaways. We’ll provide an under the hood look at how GitHub has developed tools and policies tailored to the needs of the free and open source software developer community. This will include a diverse set of case studies, including how we’ve responded to legal and policy challenges such as the EU Copyright Directive and US Digital Millennium Copyright Act, how we’ve evolved our approach to dual-use software over time, and how notable incidents such as the youtube-dl takedown and reinstatement have influenced our developer-first approach to content moderation. We will also touch on the importance of community content moderation and the tools we have developed for maintainers to establish expectations for conduct and contribution on their projects. Attendees will leave with an understanding of how the values of the free and open source developer community inform the governance of code collaboration platforms and how they can engage with platforms and policymakers.