Reputation Management, Internet Privacy, and Social Media Quick Hits
Can One Employee’s Social Media Misuse Tarnish a Company’s Reputation?
At ZDNet, there is a very short discussion piece about how individual employees can affect their company’s reputation through the use of social media. The post ends with a discussion question asking, “Should companies have policies controlling comments made by staff members during their own private time?” It’s a good question and one that inspires feedback. A social media policy should be flexible enough to allow employees to express themselves online, not to mention proactively promote the company, but firm enough that employees understand the importance of not sharing internal info or posting content that reflects poorly on the company. What do you think?
Google Street View Lawsuit Lives On
Back in 2008, a couple filed a lawsuit against Google after they discovered that their home could be seen in great detail using Google Street View. Their lawsuit was previously dismissed, but, according to this article from CNET, it has been reinstated by the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. In the decision to allow the case to proceed, however, the Third Circuit Court of Appeals made it clear that the burden of demonstrating damage fell solely on the couple, and that if they could show no harm from Google Street View, the odds of them receiving damages of any kind were slim.
What do you think? Do you side with the aggrieved family? Or do you think that the lawsuit is frivolous?
Another Prisoner Facebooking Freely?
Last week, we mentioned the story of a UK murderer who had his Facebook profile deleted after complaints from his victim’s family. Today, another UK prisoner arrested for conspiracy to murder is flexing his right to live digitally, earning criticism of his own. This article from The Register discusses how, if the prisoner has such easy access to a Facebook page, is it not also possible that he is organizing criminal activity from within prison?
Sophos Report: Facebook Biggest Security Threat for 2010
Web security company Sophos has released its 2010 Security Threat Report. According to the report, nearly two-thirds of businesses believe that Facebook will be the greatest security threat for the new year. Given Facebook’s size and considerable importance within our digital lives, it makes sense that it would stand apart as a major threat. We have already seen on numerous occasions how social engineering can be used to gain access to Facebook accounts, which can then turn into a widespread security risk through viral sharing. Are you protecting your Facebook account? Other social networking websites such as MySpace, Twitter, and LinkedIn round out the report.
California Councilwoman Catches Flack for Facebook Comment
A California city councilwoman is feeling the heat for making a somewhat disparaging remark about Muslims on her Facebook page. In reference to the 2008 beheading of Aasiya Hassan in New York, councilwoman Sherry Marquez wrote the comment, “This is what the Muslim religion is all about.” If you’re a politician at any level of government, you have to be careful about what you share online. Remember, your constituents are always listening.
Will Anonymous Feedback Forum Find Success?
Constructive and honest feedback is always valuable, but is it as useful when it’s anonymous and online? This ABC News article from Ki Mae Heussner explores a new web service called Failin.gs. Failin.gs allows users to sign up and solicit anonymous feedback about themselves from friends, family, and co-workers. The idea behind the site is to give people a forum to hear honest (sometimes brutally honest) feedback about their personal characteristics. ReputationDefender CEO Michael Fertik is quoted in the article, discussing how allowing users to keep feedback private will be an important element of the website’s success.
Would you subject yourself to the anonymous criticism of your friends, family, and co-workers?
