# Social Media Policy

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## Social Media Policy

### **Introduction**

Goldsmiths Student Union recognises that internet social media channels provide unique opportunities to participate in discussions and share information on topics of interest to members. Through social media activity and engagement on services such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, students can enrich sporting activities, generate interest and raise awareness of a particular club/event/fixture.

Social media generally refers to web-based applications, usually by sharing information, digital images, videos, opinions, knowledge and interests online. It includes, but is not limited to, social networking services such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, wikis and blogs.

Legally and ethically it is in our interests to manage any potential risks through a common-sense approach and by clearly setting out guidance when it comes to social media and sports.

This policy outlines the implications of using material in a way that could be considered abusive or defamatory. It is also sets out clear guidance on behaviour while recognising that social networking can be used internally to encourage student/member engagement or externally to help promote your sporting activities.

**The policy aims to:**

• Encourage the responsible use of social media

• Outline the responsibilities for individuals using social media

• Highlight the potential risks of using social media

• Provide clear guidelines on how breaches of this policy will be addressed

• To protect the reputation of Goldsmiths Student Union, its members, staff and partner organisations.

**Responsible use**

• When using social media it is recommended that sports clubs are respectful to their audience, transparent, accurate and remember, before pressing send or posting, that it is likely that the information shared can never be eradicated because of archival systems, forwards, retweets, etc.

• Digital activity is very easy to uncover and poses a particular risk in relation to law, such as defamation or libel. This is where a person’s reputation or brand is damaged.

• A club’s online or social media profile may reference Goldsmiths University as their place of study, but it must be made be clear that comments / posts / shares made by the account holder are made in a personal capacity only. Students should include a simple and visible disclaimer for clarity such as: "The views I express are mine alone and do not reflect the views of my place of study”.

• It is the responsibility of students to read and act in accordance with the principles of this policy. It is also the responsibility of students to read and act in accordance with the rules and guidelines set out by individual Social Media, Social Networking and Website Hosting companies and providers.

#### **Individual’s responsibility**

• The individual should not post any content that could be considered discriminatory against, or bullying or harassing of, any individual e.g. making offensive or derogatory comments relating to sex, gender, race (including nationality), disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief or age.

• Content must not contain images or other content that is sexually explicit or illegal.

• The individual should not bring discredit to the Union in any way e.g. by insulting fellow students or other individuals; making/sharing defamatory or offensive comments about individuals or groups; liking/posting/sharing/linking to images or other content that is inappropriate, sexually explicit or illegal.

• The individual should not breach copyright: e.g. by using someone else's images or content without permission, or by failing to give acknowledgement where permission has been given to reproduce. This means, for example, not posting articles or pictures scanned from newspapers or magazines. Posting such content may result in legal action by the copyright owner.

• The individual should not breach confidentiality: for example, by revealing confidential information owned by the University; posting confidential information about an individual, business or other organisation; posting contact details, pictures or personal details of other students or members of staff or members of the public without their prior permission.

• Students must seek prior advice from their Course Director or the Students’Union if unclear about what information might be deemed confidential. Further information on the responsibilities of students in relation to data.
