Social Media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Social Media - Essay Example Today more than 250 million people accesses Facebook. Twitter also has more than 14 million users, and YouTube is viewed by 100 million viewers every month (Zarrella, 2010, p. 1). These statistics data show that a huge chunk of the population is attached with the social media; and if this opportunity is not utilized, it’s a total waste. This paper highlights legal requirements for social media marketing with special reference to Facebook. The Legal components for Social Media Marketing The huge popularity of the social media outlets has made the economists recognize and tap the market by appealing their products and services through these websites. As faster the website grows, the words spread quicker. Many of the marketers have utilized the social media in order to generate attention, promotion and exposure of their brands. But while utilizing the social media, the companies should have a sound knowledge of the legal system and requirement. Trademark and Copyright Issue While using the social media outlets for promoting their brands, the companies should protect their trademark and copyright. Since such a marketing leads to informal and impromptu communication on real time basis, the copyright and trademarks of the company may fall under third party abuse. To avoid this, company should regularly monitor the social media platform to ensure that there is no misuse of the intellectual property. There are special services that monitor the profile or consumer names that are alike to the company’s name or brand. Facebook has provided instructions for submitting takedown notice that relates to â€Å"allegedly copyright infringing content† (Steinman & Hawkins, 2010, p. 3) that comes under the â€Å"Federal Digital Millennium Copyright Act† (Steinman & Hawkins, 2010, p. 3). Deceptive and misleading Contents The law treats the social media marketing and the traditional marketing in the same way. The law states that promotion of any type of de ceptive or unfair practice is unlawful. The law prohibits any type of deceptive conduct like â€Å"advertising misleading price comparisons, rebates or sweepstakes promotions† (Steinman & Hawkins, 2010, p. 4). In 2009, there was a lawsuit for deceptive content against Zynga, which provides games in Facebook. Though it was proved that a third party marketer was responsible for deceptive advertising, but still both Facebook and Zynga were made liable for this act. Being a smart marketer, one has to be careful about such incidents. Terms and conditions of the social Media Social networking websites have their own terms and conditions regulating the advertising and commercial practices that are conducted on the websites like â€Å"consumer sweepstakes, contests, and giveaways† (Steinman & Hawkins, 2010, p. 5). The marketer has to be aware of the terms and conditions and has to act accordingly. The social networking sites often change these rules. One has to strictly monito r them. Facebook prohibits uploading of contents that infringes the right of the third party. Privacy and data security Since through social media, a brand’s product and services get promoted, this may raise an issue of security and privacy. It is important for the marketer of the company to be aware of these issues and take appropriate measures in order to minimize exposure to liabilities related to collection, maintenance and use of data. Facebook has its own privacy policies that regulate the use of third party conduct and consumers