Internet watchdog set up to police social networks and guard against slander
By Andrew Redfern @ 30th July 2008 1:17 pm
Interesting report in yesterday’s Telegraph about a new code of conduct being drawn up in the UK to protect internet users from cyber-bullying.
The new body will be drawing up guidelines outling what is permissable on social networking sites, blogs and websites. The body is expected to officially announced by the House of Commons as part of a review into possible hamrful effects of computer games and the internet.
According to the The Telegraph : “Under the proposals, the new internet watchdog would operate in a similar way to other industry bodies such as the Press Complaints Commission, which enforces a code of practice for the UK newspaper and magazine industry, covering accuracy, discrimination and intrusion.
The watchdog would not have any statutory powers to impose fines but would investigate complaints and most likely publish its decisions in instances when its guidelines have been breached.
It is understood that it would also be able to order bloggers and social networking sites such as Bebo and MySpace to take down offensive messages or photographs.”
At HitSearch we are active in guarding customers & their brands against online liable via our Reputation Management scanning and we often get phonecalls from people seeking advice on how to deal with cyber-bullying on social networking sites. It would appear this is a growing problem, the internet is notoriously difficult to police (some say impossible) but this code of conduct will go some way to adressing it.
Would you like to know more about this social networking and reputation managment? If so, contact Hit Search, SEMPO accredited Search Engine Optimisation and Pay Per Click specialists, on 0845 643 9289. Remember, its a big world out there, make sure you become visible.
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