Social Media Policies:

Social media is one of the fastest growing modes of instant or rapid communication for all age groups. It is no longer the case that social platforms such as MySpace or Facebook are used solely by “teenagers” or by people who simply socialise online. These tools, which are highly useful as devices to maintain contact with others from across the world and share information and data, have now been firmly integrated into the commercial and business worlds. Indeed, they have begun to be used as tolls of social organisation.

In any event, it is true that these social media platforms can still consume a great deal of time and energy for trivial online activity, and this is perhaps one of the most pressing concerns for business owners and employers. The platforms can also create a new forum, with a massive audience reach, for the proliferation of misinformation, fraud, and other malfeasance, and these things may become huge problems for business owners, professionals and entrepreneurs.

A social media policy would ordinarily be a document that outlines the business’s protocols in relation to the use of social media by the business’s employees, contractors, agents and representatives. A good social media policy would be a comprehensive document which would address issues that across over into other areas of law as well, and some of these could include the following:

• Use of social media during work hours;
• Use of social media outside of office hours;
• Material permitted and prohibited from publication on social media sites;
• Acknowledgment and respect for confidential information;
• Acknowledgment and respect for the privacy of co-workers;
• Prohibition on;
  • Online bullying;
  • Online harassment;
  • Online victimisation;
  • Online vilification;
  • Online defamation.
• Advertising online and use of social media;
• Promotional activities on social media; and
• Other specific matters that may relate to particular industries and business types.

Each business may have a very different social media policy depending on what kind of business it may be. There may be instances where statutory provisions or principles of common law may affect the manner in which a certain business may operate online, and this will impact on the use of social media. For these reasons, it is important that appropriate legal advice is obtained from a Social Media Policy Solicitor so that the document is drafted in a manner that the business interests are appropriately covered. The social media policy lawyer, particularly one who has dealt with civil and commercial litigation matters in the context of Internet Law, will be able to assist in the production of a policy which caters to the needs of the commercial enterprise while respecting the rights of the employees, contractors, agents and other representatives who are working within it.

If you require assistance concerning a social media policy dispute or matter, you may wish to contact our firm by telephone on (02) 9233 4048 or send an email to info@navado.com.au and make an appointment to see one of our solicitors. 

This webpage (and any material or wording appearing on this webpage) is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute any Legal Advice. It does not take into account your objectives, your instructions or all of the relevant facts and/or circumstances. Navado accepts no responsibility to any person who relies on the information provided on this website. We further refer you to our Disclaimer.