Sample Social Networking Policy
Created on: Mar 6, 2009 1:18 PM by danielhoang - Last Modified: Oct 28, 2009 4:04 PM by danielhoang
The following is the company’s social media and social networking policy. The absence of, or lack of explicit reference to a specific site does not limit the extent of the application of this policy. Where no policy or guideline exist, employees should use their professional judgment and take the most prudent action possible. Consult with your manager or supervisor if you are uncertain.
- Personal blogs should have clear disclaimers that the views expressed by the author in the blog is the author’s alone and do not represent the views of the company. Be clear and write in first person. Make your writing clear that you are speaking for yourself and not on behalf of the company.
- Information published on your blog(s) should comply with the company’s confidentiality and disclosure of proprietary data policies. This also applies to comments posted on other blogs, forums, and social networking sites.
- Be respectful to the company, other employees, customers, partners, and competitors.
- Social media activities should not interfere with work commitments. Refer to IT resource usage policies.
- Your online presence reflects the company. Be aware that your actions captured via images, posts, or comments can reflect that of our company.
- Do not reference or site company clients, partners, or customers without their express consent. In all cases, do not publish any information regarding a client during the engagement.
- Respect copyright laws, and reference or cite sources appropriately. Plagiarism applies online as well.
- Company logos and trademarks may not be used without written consent.
Remember that this is only a sample and framework for social media policies. In developing policies and procedures for your company, you should tailor the language to reflect the culture and the company environment. Depending on the usage of social media, policies should be more or less explicit, particularly in defining terms.
This policy was originally posted here.
Fore more sample social media policies, check out the Social Media Policies Toolkit, which provides a straightforward set of documents that you can put to use immediately at your organization. It's an ideal starting point for designing policies for social media websites and their use within your company. It includes straightforward guidelines on the procedures for maintaining company-branded social media content on the top sites today, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Plus it helps you define the rules for employee's personal use of social media at your company.
Related Knowledge Network Content
Mariah
says:
Is it okay to establish a policy of co-workers not befriending each other on social networking sites? I would welcome it and unfriend many that I accepted because it would have been awkward not to. I have seen managers in my company post some very racy comments/photos and they are friends with their subordinates.
Cathy Iconis
says:
I understand that companies need to protect themselves and the template seems good enough, but we need to remember this is "social"media. The reason this has caught on so well is because we are blurring the lines between work and home. I invite everyone I know to follow me on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook. I want them to know ME. That isn't to say that I'm still not responsible with what I am saying.
If you restrict what your employees can do too much, then I will worry that they will turn on you. Maybe they'll start saying bad things about their employers, maybe morale will lower, etc. By adding more restrictions, you are treating employers as your children and not colleagues and/or peers.
Frederic Abramson
says:
Excellent post. I would add that when you are drafting a social networking policy, you should be aware of the legal implications as well. For example, what your employees write on social networking sites can result in potential litigation. I have actually blogged a bit on this issue http://nylawblog.com/2009/06/legal-reasons-why-your-company-should-have-a-social-networking-policy/
dhnish
says:
Informative post. Thanks.
I am thinking of placing my IT post for all staff to view :
http://www.cyber-tweets.blogspot.com
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HR Magazine had an article Oct 2008 about policy statements as advised by a law practice Ogletree, Deakins, Nash, Smoak & Stewart, LLC Los Angeles, CA:
Best way to handle it is through POLICY
Clearly state all e-communications are subject to monitoring and get employee consent
Explain there should be no expectation of privacy
Equipment and Internet services for business use only
Communications are therefore property of the company
Violations can subject employees to termination
Courts need to see the connection between policy and consistent practice!
In addition, remind employees of this policy during the year and also there should be documentation when new employees on board that they have read and understood the policy.