(An insight into things that could get you into trouble for saying/posting on your social media profiles)
Users of social networking sites disclose a lot of information to providers and users of those services, and this raises a number of legal and commercial questions. What are the basic do’s and don’ts of posting profile data?
Do:
• Be savvy about the personal data you upload. By posting information, you may unwittingly be making your data available to strangers and there is potential for that data to be misused. Some parts of social networking websites are public spaces; once the information is “out there”, it may be difficult to control what happens to it because others may be able to copy it, alter your photos, etc even after you take it down. Therefore certain information (details of “real life” location, e.g. home, school, work place) should not be uploaded to public spaces.
• Bear in mind that information posted could be embarrassing or damaging in a different context outside the social network. There are various reports of people missing out on employment opportunities due to potential employers reviewing social networking profiles as part of their recruitment procedure. However, potential employers need to be cautious using this as a recruitment tool.
• Be careful what information you post about your employer. If you post information about your company which is inaccurate, or misrepresents what the company does, this could constitute misrepresentation or a breach of advertising legislation/codes of conduct for which you and your employer could be liable in some situations. Furthermore, for listed companies, by posting certain information you could be in breach of insider dealing regulations.
Don't:
• Use content belonging to a third party. Where content is uploaded that is owned by or based on content owned by third parties, this could amount to infringement of the third party’s rights, such as copyright.
• Post personal data relating to someone else. You shouldn’t upload data relating to someone else, unless that person has consented, because this could impinge on their privacy and data protection rights
Also, the social networking site’s terms of use will usually specify that the third party should consent to any of his/her data being posted. Defamation may also be an issue.
