Online social media, including social networks, blogs, and bookmarking sites, offer terrific opportunities for nonprofits to build communities, communicate with supporters and members, and advance their respective missions, causes and industries. In fact, it is difficult to find a nonprofit these days not steeped in online social media. However, doing so without carefully considering and managing the potential legal risks can expose the unwary organization to significant, potential liabilities. Although the laws and regulations governing online social media are diverse and very much evolving, nonprofits should be able to recognize and guard against known legal traps that can snare them when operating in this environment.
NYSAE’s Law SIG, in partnership with Venable LLP’s New York office, offered a June program to help nonprofits navigate the legal pitfalls of using online social media by considering the key legal issues involved and providing guidance that can help to minimize the related liability risks. Presented by Brian J. Turoff, Esq., and Krista S. Coons, Esq., both of Venable LLP, the session addressed:
- Social media policies and usage guidelines (for both employees and volunteers/supporters/members);
- Attribution and use of user content;
- Copyright and trademark protection and infringement (including fair use considerations);
- User agreements;
- Disclaimers and other risk allocation strategies.
- Employment-related issues;
- Defamation, harassment and other accusations of bad behavior; and
- Privacy concerns.
To listen to a recording of the program and view the corresponding slides, please click here. Copies of the presentation can be downloaded by clicking here.
James Woehlke, COO and general counsel of MBL Benefits Consulting, is chair of the Law SIG. He can be reached at jwoehlke@mblbc.com.