Don't Take Risks with Social Media

Social networking sites, such as MySpace, Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn, present new ways for your organization to connect with people, spread the word, and target messages. But incorporating social media and online networking sites into your larger communication and marketing strategies raises a number of potential legal and liability risks. With advance planning, however, you can manage these risks. The following is a non-exhaustive list of legal tips and issues to consider whenever your organization creates, sends, or sponsors content in connection with social media: 1. Avoid using material without permission and provide proper attribution for content from other sources. 2. Be careful about letting others post content. 3. Know your identity and role. 4. Take advantage of potential immunity. 5. Don't misuse trademarks. 6. Be wary about contests. 7. Watch what you say when you market. 8. Don't ignore privacy rights. 9. Protect your intellectual property. 10. Develop policies for social media.