Big Brother Rule Book

The **Big Brother Rule Book** (or simply, the **House Rules**) is a handbook of rules and regulations created by Big Brother for houseguests during their stay in the house. It plays a major part in the show, and it can affect a houseguest's stay inside the house if he or she violates one or more of the rules, as each violation results in a corresponding punishment.

Big Brother's House Rules may vary throughout each country and season, and are enforced at the sole discretion of production. Some countries may have stricter house rules while others have more lenient ones. Some twists can also alter the season's respective rules and regulations.

## International House Rules

The following house rules are the most important rules in the Big Brother House and must be followed by contestants all around the world. If a houseguest were to violate these rules, he or she could face a punishment or ejection.

* Housemates shall have no contact with the outside world.
* All housemates must wear microphone lapels at all times, except when swimming or sleeping.
* Conversations in the Diary Room should always stay confidential. No one should ever share such conversations with other houseguests unless told to do so.
* Whispering inside the house is strictly prohibited. (Whispering is defined as talking too softly for a microphone to detect)
* Housemates should never intimidate, threaten or act violently towards any other housemate.
* Tasks are compulsory, but housemates may be permitted to refrain from participating where health or other reasons are accepted by Big Brother.
* Speaking in another language aside from the official language used by the show is strictly prohibited.
* The housemates should never deliberately break anything inside the house.
* The housemates should never discuss anything related to the outside world. (Selectively enforced)
* Covering or tampering microphones or cameras, writing secret messages, talking under hidden places (such as bedding, tables and beds) are strictly prohibited.
* The Houseguests must leave the house immediately (after brief goodbyes) once evicted and immediately experience an interview with the host on live television.
* Production has the sole discretion over what to broadcast and what not to broadcast.
* The following items are forbidden inside the house:
	+ Drugs and narcotics
	+ Personal medication (except in consultation with Big Brother)
	+ Weapons
	+ Watches
	+ Money, check books, or credit/debit cards
	+ Mobile/cell phones
	+ TVs, Computers, or Gaming Devices
	+ PalmPilots or electronic organizers
	+ Agendas or diaries
	+ Magazines
	+ Books, aside from official religious texts
	+ Pens or any similar writing implements (unless provided by Big Brother)
	+ Paper or writing pads (unless provided by Big Brother)
	+ Musical instruments (allowed in some countries)
	+ Any ready-made games, such as playing cards (unless received from production)
	+ Any item requiring electrical or battery power
	+ Radios or walkmans
	+ CDs or CD players
	+ Clothes entirely white in colour, with prominent commercial logos (unless authorized), or messages to the outside world.
	+ These items will not be returned until the end of the game/if you're evicted from the Big Brother house.