Proposed Code of Conduct Updates for November 2025

[xmulligan]

The CNCF Code of Conduct Committee is proposing a change to the Code of Conduct to discourage the use of harmful mass criticism to target an individual and encourage the use of appropriate feedback channels.

Public awareness of an issue can be important, but detailed criticism and escalation are best handled privately to ensure thoughtful resolution and to maintain a respectful and inclusive community environment.

[angellk]

lgtm - thanks @xmulligan

[dims]

LGTM

[TheFoxAtWork]

LGTM - CC @angellk ready for when the freeze is done.

[katcosgrove]

I'd like some clarity on this change. The proposed language is extremely vague and in conflict with the PR description. "Solicitation or encouragement of mass criticism" is very different from "public awareness of an issue," and the actual change does not recognize that distinction.

I'd also like to see specific examples of what constitutes "solicitation or encouragement of mass criticism." As leaders, we take some of the responsibility for our subordinates' actions and the actions of our organizations, whether those actions are good or bad. That means occasionally having to answer hard questions in public. Calling out a leader for the behavior of their org when that org misbehaves should be acceptable, but explicitly saying "hey everybody, go tag Kat in abusive messages on Bluesky because her org misbehaved" should not be.

[xmulligan]

Suggested change

	* The solicitation or encouragement of harmful mass criticism against an individual
	* The solicitation or encouragement of targeted harassment or dog-piling against an individual

[xmulligan]

I agree that this is an important distinction to make. Does my suggested wording make it more clear?

In addition to the text of the CoC, we also have an FAQ to flesh out more of the intent without making the CoC itself too long. Along with the changes in this PR, we will also be adding the following to our FAQ:

Q: What is harmful mass criticism, and why is it discouraged?
A: Harmful mass criticism occurs when a large group of people, often on social media or other public forums, engage in coordinated criticism or attack against a single individual. The CNCF Code of Conduct prohibits the solicitation or encouragement of harmful mass criticism, as it can lead to emotional harm, reputational damage, and creates an exclusionary environment. This behavior violates the respectful and inclusive values of the CNCF community and is a violation of the code of conduct with consequences depending on the harm done.

Q: Is it a violation to call for someone’s firing from their job?
A: Publicly calling for someone to be fired or for other punitive actions may contribute to harmful mass criticism, undermining CNCF’s commitment to a constructive, inclusive community. Members found participating in or inciting these types of campaigns may be found in violation of the CoC. While it is important to address concerns about behavior, all concerns about behavior should be raised through appropriate channels to allow for fair, confidential, and balanced resolution without resorting to punitive public demands. This approach ensures fairness, safeguards community trust, and prevents a toxic atmosphere within CNCF.

Q: What does it mean to "address disagreements or concerns through appropriate channels"?
A: This refers to the principle that disagreements or concerns within the CNCF community should be handled respectfully and constructively. While one message may be appropriate to raise awareness, coordinating mass responses or public piling-on can be harmful and is discouraged. We encourage our community members to raise issues through appropriate reporting mechanisms, such as reaching out to the CNCF Code of Conduct Committee, filing issues in the TOC Github repo, discussing in TOC (public or private) or TAG mailing lists, or the appropriate community committees. This allows for issues to be resolved fairly and thoughtfully, maintaining the integrity of the community and preventing unnecessary harm.
Public awareness of an issue can be important. However, when a discussion shifts from criticizing a decision or action to attacking an individual’s character or safety, it crosses the line. We encourage utilizing the Code of Conduct Committee for behavioral disputes to ensure safety, but this does not preclude public discussion of technical or organizational governance issues. Some discussions are also best handled privately to ensure thoughtful resolution and to maintain a respectful and inclusive community environment.

Q: Does this prevent the community from holding leaders or organizations accountable publicly?
A: No. There is a clear distinction between accountability and incitement. Accountability is asking hard questions, criticizing organizational decisions, or demanding explanations from leaders regarding their organization's conduct. This is acceptable and sometimes necessary. Incitement (or "solicitation of harmful mass criticism") is organizing a targeted campaign to overwhelm an individual with abuse, threats, or volume that prevents constructive dialogue.
Example: Posting "I am disappointed in Company X’s decision and their maintainer's defense of it; here is why I think they are wrong" is acceptable accountability. Posting "Everyone go tag Person Y and Company Z until they get fired" is unacceptable incitement.

Q: What are the responsibilities of CNCF leaders in upholding the Code of Conduct process?
A: CNCF leaders, including managers, ambassadors, and other representatives, are expected to uphold the Code of Conduct and avoid any activities that detract from a constructive resolution process. Leaders who initiate or participate in campaigns that attempt to bypass or unduly influence the CoC process may be found in violation of the CoC, the Technical Leadership Principles, and/or the Ambassador Standards of Excellence as appropriate. By maintaining these standards, CNCF leaders help foster a supportive, fair, and professional environment for all community members.

Q: How can I stay up to date with the status of my report?
The CNCF Code of Conduct Committee will seek to keep the reporter(s) up to date with the investigation over email or a private Slack message at regular intervals. The reporter(s) can always ask for a status update from the committee or the investigator at any time.