Guidance

Social Networking sites

Social networking sites provide a great way for people to maintain contact with friends.  However, through the open nature of such sites, it is also possible for third parties to collate vast amounts of information.

For example, The Shawshank Redemption is the most popular film amongst the 11,899 members of the BBC network on Facebook and 8% list their political views as “liberal”*.

All BBC staff should be mindful of the information they disclose on social networking sites.  Where they associate themselves with the Corporation (through providing work details or joining a BBC network) they should act in a manner which does not bring the BBC into disrepute.

hen a staff member is contacted by the press about posts on their social networking site that relate to the BBC they should talk to their manager before responding. The relevant BBC press office must be consulted.