1 May 2008
Thomson Reuters gets tough on personal blogging
New Code of Conduct focuses on public communications from employees.
International media and news agency, Thomson Reuters, has published new guidelines for employees engaged in blogging and writing on the web.
Acceptable rules and regulations?
Concerning the protection and confidentiality of non public information about customers and others, the document clearly states what is and what's not acceptable web writing behavior for Thomson Reuters employees:
- It’s OK to mention Thomson Reuters in a personal blog. However, if you maintain a personal blog, it should not contain or discuss any confidential or non public information about Thomson Reuters, our customers or other people or companies that we do business with.
- You should not cite or reference customers, employees or business associates without their approval.
- If your blog mentions Thomson Reuters, it should be clear that any opinions that you express are your own, and not those of Thomson Reuters. Even then, you should be mindful of the Trust Principles in discussing Thomson Reuters or any of its competitors.
Whilst Facebook isn’t ubiquitous like say, mobile phones, it’s definitely captured the hearts and minds of many people.
- Further, personal blogs should never be used for internal communications among fellow employees and you should not use a personal blog to air any differences with co-workers, Thomson Reuters or people or companies that we do business with.
- Some Thomson Reuters businesses may have their own supplemental policies and guidelines on blogging.
A positive approach
While at first glance the policy may seem restrictive, the clear permission to blog publicly, and under the badge of Thomson
Reuters if desired, demonstrates a positive approach to a constantly changing web landscape.
Recognizing web behavior in a businesswide code of conduct may demonstrate a long-term acceptance of social media behind and beyond the firewall.
Fair and clear
Australian business communicator and social media consultant, Lee Hopkins, says Thomson Reuters' policy is a fair guideline for employees.
"I fully agree with Thomson Reuters and the policy reads very well. A personal blog is just that, not a venting ground for disatisfaction with the employer, its customers or fellow employees."
Security concerns, awareness and the protection of confidential data are also focused upon in the new code of conduct, further reflecting the need for guidelines in a time when the risk of employees leaking data online – purposely or not – is among the top concerns of organizations.
Address security concerns
The Hub's dedicated channels and new media expert, Matt O'Neill (pictured, right), says that there are ways to address security concerns of employees networking on social online forums like Facebook.
"One way of overcoming this is to look at some of the applications that exist which 'overlay' the Facebook platform. These applications create a secure environment within which employees who already are members of Facebook can utilise the benefits whilst avoiding some of the risks," he says.
Some companies are already using social media networks – Facebook in particular – to corporate advantage:
"The list includes Ernst and Young, McDonald’s, Toyota, IBM, CNN and more. Just doing a quick search on British retailer, "John Lewis" on Facebook turns up several hundred groups ranging from employee social clubs through to others discussing their work lives," says O'Neill.
Have your say
Are you struggling with employee bloggers? Are online security leaks causing concern?
Discuss these issues with other comms practitioners by joining the Internal Comms Hub members' group on the Communicators' Network.
Further links and resources:
6 examples of blogging guidelines
5 things to remember with corporate blogging
View the full Thomson Reuters Code of Conduct
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