The rise of social media is having ‘devastating consequences’ on small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) who are suffering reputational damage when communities turn against them. The BBC has reported that one such business has been damaged by comments made in an “untrue and misleading” social media campaign over hygiene standards. Takings are said to have dropped … Continue reading
As you may have guessed, I am a firm believer in the power social media has to enhance your career and your professional prospects. I was therefore flattered and pleased to have been referenced in an article by Christelle McCracken and Anthony Lyons as they discuss the importance of devloping a positive social media identity. “The best … Continue reading
The UK’s first Youth Police Commissioner will not face prosecution over inappropriate tweets which led to her resignation. Kent Police have confirmed that 17 year old Paris Brown will not be prosecuted in respect of the allegedly racist, homophobic and violent tweets revealed by the Mail on Sunday earlier this month. Brown had only been … Continue reading
Lawyers and other professionals often tell me they don’t have time for twitter or social media. They might have families or personal lives which keep them occupied and don’t believe me when I tell them how quick and easy it can be. So, I asked a tweeting friend, lawyer and mum of two to write … Continue reading
It has been reported that a serving police officer who sent offensive tweets following the death of Margaret Thatcher has resigned his position. Metropolitan Police Sergeant Jeremy Scott, had taken to Twitter to make ‘unacceptable’ comments. He is reported to have said that he hoped Lady Thatcher’s death was “painful and degrading”, was “87 years … Continue reading
It has been reported that 17 year old Paris Brown has now resigned from her position. The’youth police commissioner’ in Kent has come under intense scrutiny following the discovery of offensive tweets after only 3 days in the job. Initially it was thought that Paris Brown would remain in her post despite the now-deleted tweets … Continue reading
Dominic Grieve QC, the Attorney General, has recently been speaking out about the use of social media and advocating a zero tolerance approach. When I met with him we discussed this and how his own position might be seen to be at odds with some of his colleagues in public office. Dominic Grieve has enjoyed a steady … Continue reading
The Guardian has reported that the Justice Secretary, Chris Grayling, has issued instructions that probation officers face the risk of disciplinary action if they publicly criticise him or his plans on Twitter or other social media. The ban follows the announcement of Grayling’s controversial plans to outsource 70% of the probation officers’ work with offenders. The gag … Continue reading
Frequently, employees who are accused of inappropriate behaviour on social media sites will blame someone else. “I didn’t write that” may sometimes seem like a convenient passing of the buck, but online identity theft – however temporary – is very real and can have serious consequences. You may not be familiar with such vulgar words … Continue reading
Google, Facebook and Twitter have now been served with injunctions by the Police ordering them to remove photographs purporting to be of Jon Venables. This follows the announcement from the Attorney General’s office on Monday which threatened contempt of court proceedings against those individuals who originally posted or subequently retweeted the photos. The photos uploaded … Continue reading
Kevin Poulter 