ISSUE SPOTLIGHT: LEGAL SERVICES
THINK BEFORE YOU TWEET!
The professional perils of social media have been highlighted by Northamptonshire legal firm Wilson Browne Solicitors. Kevin Rogers, a partner in the
commercial litigation team, has warned that many large litigation practices now routinely examine social media accounts on behalf of their clients, and companies should think twice before they publish on online platforms. Employers are
now more frequently using social media posts as part of disciplinary or grievance procedures. Kevin said: “Employees
‘JUST AS YOU CAN CHECK WHAT
SOMEONE HAS PUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA, THE INTERNET
PEOPLE CAN CHECK UP ON YOU TOO’
may be criticising their employer, exposing the business to potential reputational damage, or commenting between employees leading to, for example, harassment allegations. “Employers are even obtaining
open source reports before certain senior hires are made, certainly food for thought there. “Beware that if litigation follows, the contents of your social media
accounts will comprise disclosable evidence, and that your opponents can create damning evidence quickly and cost-effectively by simply taking a screen shot of the contents of a social media account.” The spontaneous nature of social media means it is not always as rigorously monitored or policed as other printed media. Discussions are rarely private and often they can be seen by a much wider
network. He said: “You
need to be aware though that just as
much as you can check on
what someone else has put out on social media, the internet people can check up on you. This is known as open source investigation.”
For a no-obligation discussion about how to go about obtaining an open source report or to have your own social media policy reviewed contact Kevin Rogers on 01536 410014 or email
krogers@wilsonbrowne.co.uk
16 inbusiness JUNE/JULY 2015
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