Legal Social Media at Work for Managers Course

Description

• Social Media posts are permanent.
• Checking prospective employee’s social media pages as part of the applicant screening process.
• The danger of managers befriending the employees they manage on social media
• Social Media is not private
• The consequences of inappropriate posts

• Posting negative comments, opinions, conjectures or unproven allegations
• Defaming co-workers, colleagues, government officials, vendors and customers.
• Defamation can result in liability in a defamation claim.

• Posting messages, articles, pictures, music or video without permission.
• Almost everything on the internet is copyrighted.
• Never post anything without getting permission first.
• Not posting pictures or videos of co-workers without permission.
• Getting permission from co-workers before using quotes, advice, messages, or any other written or verbal communication.

• Posting information that is unavailable to the public.
• Making sure you get permission before posting any information about your organization.
• The legal consequences of insider trading.

• Obtaining permission before posting any media captured in the workplace or at work events.
• The potential to divulge confidential information or trade secrets in media.

• Disclosing information such as credit card numbers, passwords, private health information, social security numbers
• Disclosing customer or vendor names.
• Disclosing private information such as information about a divorce, death, or illness.
• Even when your post has the best intentions disclosing information is off limits.
• When in doubt about what can be posted, consult with a manager or your legal department.

• Posting trade secrets about your organization’s operations, products or services. 
• Releasing any confidential business information that gives your employer an advantage over its competitors.

• All organizational policies on harassment and bullying extend to social media.
• Never post offensive messages, jokes, pictures or videos.
• Posting about race, religion, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation and family status.

• Posting false, inaccurate, or exaggerated information about your organization’s products or services. 
• inaccurate reviews and claims about your competitors’ products and services as well.
• Including your name and your organization’s name when posting articles, testimonials or reviews about your products and services.

• Using social media for personal use during work hours.  
• Organizational monetary losses from social media use.
• Limit social media use to break time.

• Posting negative or disloyal comments about your employer.
• Employers have the right to expect loyalty from their employees.
• Free speech does not protect your job.

• Posting pictures, videos or text of illegal or immoral behavior.
• Even after work hours, employees are a representative of their organziation.