| Quote of the Day |
| Free speech is intended to protect the controversial and even outrageous word; and not just comforting platitudes too mundane to need protection. |
| - Colin Powell |
Blogger's Code of Conduct: Contradiction in Terms?
Law.com posts a thought provoking article suggesting that corporations institute a code of conduct for employee blogs.
Humor aside, This is a good idea. the internet offers unparalleled opportunities for defamation, premature release of corporate secrets and proprietary information, sexual harassment and even invasion of privacy.
Corporations obviously want to avoid such problems while not also interfering with free speech rights of individuals.
The article distinguishes between corporate sponsored blogs, like this one, and private blogs. With respect to private blogs, the article recommends that companies impose only three restrictions:
- Prohibit employees from posting corporate confidential, proprietary or third-party information;
- Prohibit defamatory remarks about the company, its employees, vendors or customers; and
- Ask employees to use disclaimers where appropriate.
These all seem appropriate and still protect the employer’s legitimate interests while, at the same time, not stifling free speech.
Posted by
Joseph R. McFaul
on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 at 00:00
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