Safety Architecture

1. Defense in depth for web discovery

In an open web directory where anyone can share links to external destinations, maintaining link safety requires a resilient, multi-layered architecture. Relying solely on automated keyword filters is insufficient, while relying exclusively on automated safety scan creates scaling bottlenecks.

Sharely employs a defense-in-depth security model that combines automated protocol validation, pre-publication moderation queues, granular user reporting, and swift administrative enforcement. Each layer operates as a distinct safety gate through which every submission must pass.

2. Layer 1: Automated link checks

Immediately upon submission, every submitted URL undergoes automated structural and protocol screening:

• Protocol Enforcement: Links must use standard secure https:// protocols. Insecure HTTP connections are automatically rejected.
• Raw IP Host Blocking: Submissions pointing directly to unformatted IP address hosts are blocked to prevent direct infrastructure exploitation.
• Domain & Keyword Blacklisting: URLs are checked against a dynamically updated database of known malware hosts, phishing mirrors, adult domains, and scam networks.
• Duplicate Check: Existing active URLs are flagged to prevent directory duplication and spamming.

3. Layer 2: Moderation queue

Submissions that pass automated screening are placed into a pending moderation queue. Community moderators evaluate the link's metadata, verify that the destination title matches the link content, ensure proper platform categorization, and confirm that the generated visual poster card is appropriate.

Only links that are explicitly approved by a moderator transition to the public explore grid. Rejected submissions are archived with clear rejection reasons provided to the submitter.

4. Layer 3: Report button & community flagging

Web destinations can change after publication. To protect visitors against post-approval destination changes or emerging security concerns, every dedicated link poster page and comment thread on Sharely includes an easily accessible report button.

When visitors flag a link for spam, deceptive redirects, malware, or copyright violations, the item is immediately highlighted in the moderation queue for priority review and potential removal.

5. Layer 4: Administrative enforcement & domain blocklists

When a link is confirmed to violate our safety policies, administrators can execute several enforcement actions:

• Immediate Removal: Unpublishing the link and removing its showcase page from the public index.
• Domain-Wide Bans: Adding the destination domain to our permanent blocklist to reject all future submissions from that host.
• Account Sanctions: Suspending or banning submitter accounts involved in repeated policy violations.