Despite many benefits social media offers companies, many risks arise when employees utilize these tools. For example, employees may make comments that bring negative publicity to the firm or company. In addition, there is potential liability for discrimination, defamation, invasion of privacy, unlawful harassment, misappropriating trade secrets and other confidential information, and retaliation, among other things. Employees also may claim they own social media accounts or the content of such accounts that are business related. To help manage these risks, a company should implement an effective social media policy and educate its employees on the parameters of the policy.

One hour of ethics credit will be offered to the surrounding MCLE states***. 

***This session does not qualify for ethics credit in Virginia***