Social media has transformed our lives in recent years and is a fantastic business tool. In the right hands, it can produce amazing results. However, it also brings with it new and sometimes unexpected risks.
Social media has transformed our lives in recent years and is a fantastic business tool. In the right hands, it can produce amazing results. However, it also brings with it new and sometimes unexpected risks.
Now that social media sites are part of everyday life, the law is running to keep up and day by day we are hearing about cases where people are coming unstuck as a result of what they are posting.
For example, you may recall social media users circulating alleged pictures of child killer Jon Venables. The users are now facing prosecution for breaking the terms of a court injunction banning the identification of Venables and Thompson. In another case, a man from Reading mocked dead children on social media sites and was jailed for 18 weeks for making “grossly offensive” comments under the Malicious Communications Act 1988.
You can bet that these people never imagined that tapping away on their smartphones or tablets could land them in jail. As an employer, you need to think about the unexpected consequences that social media can have for your business including:
It is essential that you control the use of social media by your employees. Businesses must set boundaries for use of social media for professional and personal purposes and be clear about what is acceptable behaviour and what is not.
With a well-written Social Media Policy and clear communication of the rules. You can use the policy to set out rules on the proper use of social media for promotion of your business and also for employees’ personal use.
With a policy in place, you can expect fewer problems, and be in a stronger position to deal with any problems that do crop up.
We can create a Social Media Policy for your business for only £150 plus VAT.
For more information please call our Employment team on 01904 528200 or email law@hethertons.co.uk.
