Using your personal social media account to share with “friends”, “followers” and “connections” causes problems at work because you have no control over who they share your communication and personal information with. Misuse or inappropriate use of social media, email and text messaging can put you in a disciplinary situation at work. It can even create criminal and civil liability for you and your employer. Most criminal offences that can be committed by using words or images can be committed using social media, and the legal repercussions are the same as off-line activity. There is no specific regulation of social media, so existing employment, criminal, data protection and human rights laws apply.
This Guide breaks down case law in a user friendly way so that you can easily apply cases to your particular situation. It covers what you need to know, taking you quickly and simply through essential information on;
• Your legal rights
• Case law
• Remedies and compensation
• Templates
• Information and guidance on the use of social media in employment