Blogging, #socialmedia and the law

Sara Delpopolo from Axis Legal made some interesting points on endorsement, defamation and the blogosphere in the digital advertising seminar today. She revealed that bloggers must disclose their material connections with a good or service in the USA, but this also has implications in Australia.

Allergen vs ACCC saw a case where a  testimonial reported on Facebook was fake and paid for by the brand.

Defamation in social media,due to its global nature is a massive issue. No real uniform legislation exists to protect people and bloggers are seen as journalists.

Tweeting and re-tweeting is also an issue and the spread is quick and un controllable. Unfair press can get out very quickly, and will be seen as defamation.
There was a landmark case in Australia forced Google to disclose the people behind a defamatory site.

The issues extend to moderating blog sites and comments, a code of ‘deep civility’ is expected and the responsobility falls tot eh site/blogger to moderate.

Great points thanks for the tip of the iceberg in what is a really big issue and really needs more than 40mins.