Configure QCLF Content Filtering and Abuse Controls

QCLF 1.1.27 enforces content policy on the server before accepted permanent content is stored and before accepted live Messages are broadcast. Global defaults are resolved first, then Section and Category policy layers can refine supported controls.

The controls combine prohibited phrase filtering, pacing, link/@mention caps, duplicate detection, attachment-repeat protection, and tighter rules for newly-created Joomla accounts.

Configure the Global Abuse Policy

  1. Open Components → QC Live Forum → Settings and find Content Filtering & Abuse Controls.
  2. Enable the Content Filter when prohibited rules should apply, then choose Reject submission or Mask matched text.
  3. Enter prohibited words/phrases and any allowed exceptions, one per line.
  4. Set permanent posting delay, maximum links, maximum @mentions, duplicate-post and duplicate-attachment windows, and the new-account thresholds.
  5. Save and test with an ordinary established member, a new account, a guest if enabled, and a live Message.

Current Global Defaults

  • Content Filter: Disabled; matched action defaults to Reject.
  • Permanent Posting Delay: 3 seconds.
  • Maximum Links: 5; Maximum @Mentions: 10.
  • Duplicate Post Window: 60 seconds.
  • Duplicate Attachment Window: 60 seconds.
  • New Account Window: 2 days; New Account Posting Delay: 10 seconds; New Account Maximum Links: 2.

Reject, Mask, and Exceptions

Matching is case-insensitive whole-word/phrase style after normalization. Allowed exceptions are protected before prohibited rules run. Reject stops the submission with a safe message; Mask replaces non-space characters in each matched phrase with asterisks. Rich HTML is filtered through its text nodes after normal rich-content sanitization.

How New-Account and Guest Limits Combine

For a new signed-in account, QCLF enforces the larger of the normal/new-account posting delays and the smaller of the normal/new-account link caps. Guests similarly use the tighter guest/normal link limit and the guest posting delay. The normal @mention cap still applies.

Duplicate Controls

Permanent duplicate-text checks compare a recent normalized SHA-256 fingerprint for the same signed-in author or normalized guest email within the configured window. Live duplicate checks apply to the same user/session. Duplicate attachments use file SHA-256 and the same signed-in owner within the configured attachment window. Abuse events log lightweight metadata rather than rejected content text.

Section and Category Policy Layers

Section then Category settings can override filter enabled state, Reject/Mask action, posting delay, maximum links, maximum mentions, guest posting, and guest approval; their prohibited and exception lists are added to inherited lists. Duplicate windows and new-account settings remain global in 1.1.27.

Community Discussion

Want to compare forum workflows, share practical QCLF tips, or discuss how other Joomla site owners use this feature? Visit the QC Live Forum Community. For private support, bug reports, account-specific entitlement problems, or feature requests, use the QuantaCade support system.