The Perils of Social Media: Should You Quit the Internet?

http://ow.ly/5YCun


Article on the Slaw website, written by Omar Ha-Redeye.


An article that touches on the potential troubles that can arise by using social media.  This article analyzes issues that can arise by private use, as well as in conjunction with use by corporations for advertising purposes.  Challenges arise when social media is utilized, such as tracking of website activity by hidden programs, and the potential for copyright infringement due to posted content that is not owned by those whom are using it.

The article offers three basic but helpful guidelines: 

1. limiting subject matte to innocuous content that does not include claims about competitors or the sponsors, including any testimonials


2. allowing users to determine the content to preserve CDA immunity


3. screening content, although screening can compromise CDA immunity as well.

In addition, the author also outlines some real life examples of litigation that has arisen due to social media use.  Furthermore, the article references certain new government efforts that are being discussed to possibly create a "Do Not Track" list, similar to the "Do Not Call" list, to better regulate spam and malware use.