Beam is committed to fostering a professional, ethical, and secure environment for all users. To ensure a safe and trustworthy community, Beam strictly prohibits certain types of businesses and activities that do not align with our values. We also follow the business guidelines set forth by Stripe, our payment partner. Together, these guidelines ensure a positive experience for all users and protect the platform from misuse.

Below is a comprehensive list of prohibited business activities on Beam, incorporating both Beam’s and Stripe’s restrictions.

1. Illegal or Unethical Businesses

Businesses that engage in illegal activities or unethical practices are strictly forbidden. This includes any business that violates local or international laws or operates dishonestly.

Examples:

• Fraud, illegal gambling, money laundering, or other illegal financial activities.

• Businesses involved in scams or misleading customers with false promises.

• Unlicensed money services or unauthorized financial operations, such as illegal foreign currency exchanges.

2. Harmful or Dangerous Products and Services

Both Beam and Stripe prohibit the sale or promotion of products and services that pose a risk to safety, health, or well-being. Any business offering such products is not allowed on the platform.

Examples:

• Selling firearms, ammunition, explosives, or other weapons.

• Offering illegal drugs or unregulated health products that may cause harm.

• Promoting hazardous materials or unsafe substances without proper licenses.

3. Adult Content and Services

Beam and Stripe both strictly forbid businesses that provide adult content, pornography, or sexually explicit services. These restrictions help maintain a professional and inclusive environment for all users.

Examples:

• Pornographic content, adult videos, or images.

• Escort services, prostitution, or any business involved in sexually explicit activities.

• Live streaming or adult entertainment involving explicit material.

4. Pyramid Schemes and Deceptive Multi-Level Marketing (MLM)

Beam and Stripe do not permit pyramid schemes or deceptive MLM practices, where the primary focus is on recruitment rather than offering a legitimate product or service. These business models often mislead participants and harm the community.

Examples:

• Businesses focused on recruitment without delivering valuable goods or services.

• Misleading multi-level marketing schemes that promise unrealistic financial returns.

• Get-rich-quick schemes that rely on new members rather than genuine sales.

5. Hate Speech, Violence, and Discrimination

Both Beam and Stripe enforce strict policies against businesses that promote hate speech, violence, or discrimination based on race, gender, religion, or any other characteristic. This ensures that the platform remains inclusive and respectful.

Examples:

• Businesses advocating for hate, violence, or harassment against any individual or group.

• Promoting discrimination based on race, gender, ethnicity, or religion.

• Supporting extremist activities, hate groups, or content that incites violence.

6. Deceptive or Misleading Business Practices

Transparency is key to building trust on Beam, and businesses engaging in deceptive or misleading practices are not allowed. Stripe also prohibits fraud, misrepresentation, and businesses that deceive users.

Examples:

• Offering fake courses or fraudulent services that don’t deliver on their promises.

• Misleading advertising, inflated claims, or unsubstantiated guarantees of results.

• Hidden fees or deceptive pricing that misleads customers.

7. Unlicensed Financial Services

Businesses offering unlicensed or unregulated financial services, including unauthorized investment schemes, are forbidden on Beam. Stripe also restricts businesses from providing certain high-risk or illegal financial products.

Examples:

• Unlicensed loan services, payday loans, or debt settlement services.

• Unauthorized trading of stocks, bonds, cryptocurrency, or other financial products.

• Pyramid or Ponzi schemes related to financial services.

8. Counterfeit Goods and Intellectual Property Violations

Beam and Stripe both prohibit the sale of counterfeit goods and any violations of intellectual property rights. Respecting intellectual property is essential to maintaining a fair and lawful marketplace.

Examples:

• Selling fake branded products, counterfeit goods, or pirated software.

• Using copyrighted material in webinars or 1:1 sessions without proper licensing or permission.

• Offering products or services that infringe on trademarks, patents, or other intellectual property rights.

9. Spamming and Unsolicited Marketing

Spam and aggressive, unsolicited marketing practices are prohibited by both Beam and Stripe. All communications must be respectful, relevant, and consensual to protect user privacy and experience.

Examples:

• Sending unsolicited bulk emails, direct messages, or promotional content without user consent.

• Posting spam comments or irrelevant promotions in community forums or discussions.

• Manipulating reviews, likes, or feedback to create a false sense of credibility.

10. Promotion of Self-Harm, Violence, or Harmful Behavior

Any business that promotes or encourages self-harm, violence, or other dangerous behavior is strictly banned from Beam, as well as under Stripe’s guidelines.

Examples:

• Encouraging extreme dieting, harmful fitness routines, or behaviors that risk personal health.

• Promoting illegal drug use, substance abuse, or dangerous lifestyle choices.

• Offering guidance or services that incite violence or promote self-harm.

Stripe’s Additional Prohibited Businesses

In addition to Beam’s restrictions, Stripe has a list of additional prohibited business activities. These include:

• Gambling services: Online gambling, casinos, and lottery ticket sales are not permitted.

• High-risk financial services: Businesses offering credit repair, debt relief, or unauthorized investment advice.

• Illegal products or services: Stripe prohibits the sale of illegal goods such as drug paraphernalia, human trafficking, or counterfeit currency.

• Unlicensed telecommunication services: Businesses offering unregulated SMS, phone services, or communication tools.

For a full list of Stripe’s prohibited activities, visit their Prohibited Businesses page.

Consequences for Violating Beam and Stripe Guidelines

Violating any of these guidelines will result in immediate action to protect the community and uphold the integrity of Beam and its payment processor, Stripe. Possible consequences include:

• Warning: Minor violations will result in a formal warning and instructions for corrective action.

• Account Suspension: Serious or repeated violations may result in the suspension of your Beam account and related payment services through Stripe.