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ATTORNEYS
Karen R. Glickstein
Labor and Employment
816.395.0638
kglickstein@polsinelli.com
Matthew J. Smith
Science and Technology
314.552.6879
msmith@polsinelli.com
Gregory M. Kratofil Jr
Science and Technology
816.360.4363
gkratofil@polsinelli.com
“Social media” refers
broadly to internet-based,
interactive, real-time, or
near real-time,
conversation using digital
words, sounds and
pictures. It includes
blogs, chat rooms and
social networks, such as
LinkedIn, MySpace,
Facebook and Twitter.
Facebook alone has more
than 500 million active
users, with an average of
more than 250 million
users logging on daily.
To learn more
about
our
Labor and Employment
practice group, click here
To learn more
about
our
Science and Technology
practice group, click here
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January 2011 |
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In the News: |
What You Need to Know About Social Media to Protect Your Business |
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Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, blogs, chat rooms and text messaging. Many businesses are increasing their use of these social media and other “wired” sources of communication as marketing or publicity tools, while others still fear the issues that may arise from this new form of media. Regardless of whether a business chooses to participate actively in this “wired” world, it is imperative that organizations understand their use and abuse—and what can and cannot be controlled.
Consider these examples:
- An employee posts negative comments about her boss to a Facebook page, forgetting that she has “friended” the supervisor.
- A fast food chain learns that an employee has a video clip on YouTube showing employees bathing in the sink of one of its restaurants. The clip also featured employees in company uniforms commenting on what a great place the company was to work and assuring their actions would not harm the food.
- Your current employee posts a “reference” on LinkedIn for a former employee who was discharged after engaging in fraudulent behavior.
Why You Need to Take Action Now
Social media issues can implicate a number of specialized areas of law, including: labor & employment, intellectual property, securities, products liability, business relationships and Federal Trade Commission regulation. Providing guidance on appropriate and restricted use of social media can help minimize legal risk and protect a company’s reputation. The public relations issues that may arise from improper (or inappropriate) use of electronic resources may have significant real and intangible costs. All of these risk factors can and must be managed through social media policies.
For More Information
To find out more information on how social media can affect your organization, or to get assistance with developing policies and procedures for managing the related risks, please contact:
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Please plan on joining Polsinelli Shughart for a breakfast seminar in our Kansas City office to discuss the risk factors of using social media and how your organization can safeguard itself from potential harmful legal ramifications A separate invitation will follow. |
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Polsinelli Shughart | In the News |
Headlines and Bylines from polsinelli.com |
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About Polsinelli Shughart PC
With more than 500 attorneys, Polsinelli Shughart PC is a national law firm that is a recognized leader in the areas of business law, financial services, real estate and business litigation. Serving corporate, institutional and individual clients, Polsinelli Shughart is redefining the business of law by sharing ideas, goals and outcomes with its clients. The firm builds enduring relationships by creating value beyond legal services – with passion, ingenuity and a sense of urgency. The firm can be found at www.polsinelli.com. |
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