Are You Exposing Your Business to Liabilities on Social Media?

One of the biggest phenomenon transforming how businesses engage their customers are social media platforms. From Facebook to Twitter to Instagram, businesses are reaping the benefits of having a direct line to their customers, including the ability to remedy customer complaints and create targeted marketing campaigns. 

Although social media platforms are great for business, these platforms can expose businesses to liabilities. If your business utilizes social media accounts to connect and disseminate information to your customers, you should be aware of the possible risks, and you should purchase appropriate business insurance to reduce those risks. 

Social Media Accounts May Jeopardize Your Company’s Information System 

In general, mainstream social media channels can be safe. You can safely communicate and share information with others by employing typical online security strategies. However, there are many individuals and companies who rely on phishing—the act of defrauding someone online by masquerading as a real company—to gain sensitive information for nefarious purposes. If accessed using your company’s network, these individuals and companies can use software to hack your company to gain access to your internal networks, which, if successful, can place your information system in jeopardy. 

Misuse of Intellectual Property 

Whether you have a blog or you share media content, it’s important to understand copyright laws. If you use other people’s graphics, it’s imperative that you ask them for permission or follow their instructions so that you are using their intellectual property appropriately. If you don’t, you risk getting fined or sued. Intellectual property isn’t limited to pictures and videos; it covers “creations of the mind,” which can include names per the World Intellectual Property Organization. 

Violations to an Individual’s Right to Privacy 

If you are in the business of reporting on celebrities’ lives, it’s essential to bear in mind that you have to walk a tightrope. Even if you are well within your rights to report the information and the information is accurate, it’s possible to spend extraordinary sums of money protecting your right to do so in court. It’s important to protect your business by securing business insurance in advance for this reason. 

Social media accounts are great enhancements to businesses. With a social media strategy that is aligned with prevailing laws and appropriate business insurance, it’s possible to watch your business blossom due to increased customer engagement. Without insurance, you could be jeopardizing your business. If so, give us a call to inquire about the business insurance that is best for your business. 

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