Journalists have been given the green light to quote information and comments found in tweets, after Britain's Press Complaints Commission (PCC) ruled that citing Twitter posts in newspapers or magazines did not constitute an invasion of privacy.
The ruling came as a result of a complaint filed by a bureaucrat working for the Department of Transport. Sarah Baskerville argued that the Daily Mail newspaper had no right to quote her tweets in an article, because she had posted a disclaimer to her Twitter page indicating that the material found therein constituted her private thoughts - unendorsed by the Department of Transport - and were not for public use.
The ruling came as a result of a complaint filed by a bureaucrat working for the Department of Transport. Sarah Baskerville argued that the Daily Mail newspaper had no right to quote her tweets in an article, because she had posted a disclaimer to her Twitter page indicating that the material found therein constituted her private thoughts - unendorsed by the Department of Transport - and were not for public use.
mirror.co.uk
Baskerville believed that her tweets were for nobody else other than her 700 followers, including one in which she admitted to having been hung-over at work. In her disclaimer, Baskerville describes herself as being "Scottish and sober-ish."
In its ruling, the PCC argued that Baskerville could not reasonably expect that comments posted to a major social media website would necessarily remain private, as these can be forwarded or re-tweeted by any of her 700 followers.
In fact, one of the elements of social networking is the ability to share snippets of information among friends and direct them for interesting reading.
In its defence, the Daily Mail noted that Baskerville's tweets were unrestricted and thus available to people beyond simply her 700 followers.
Stephen Abell, the PCC's director, suggested that this was a landmark ruling as it opens the way for major national newspapers to turn to Social Media websites for source material.
In its ruling, the PCC argued that Baskerville could not reasonably expect that comments posted to a major social media website would necessarily remain private, as these can be forwarded or re-tweeted by any of her 700 followers.
In fact, one of the elements of social networking is the ability to share snippets of information among friends and direct them for interesting reading.
In its defence, the Daily Mail noted that Baskerville's tweets were unrestricted and thus available to people beyond simply her 700 followers.
Stephen Abell, the PCC's director, suggested that this was a landmark ruling as it opens the way for major national newspapers to turn to Social Media websites for source material.
Britain Rules That Tweets Constitute Public Information
Reviewed by Mili and Paul
on
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Rating:
Reviewed by Mili and Paul
on
Wednesday, February 09, 2011
Rating:
Mili and Paul
Keeping you up to date on social media, digital marketing, apps, news & reviews. Social media, and digital marketing as a whole, are rapidly and constantly changing, adapting to new developments at an ever increasing rate. Just keeping up to date can be a nightmare. Our team of writers know their field, and keep an ear to the ground. We aim to keep you informed of all recent developments in the online world, and teach you a little something along the way. So whether you just want to stay connected, or gain some knowledge for yourself, the Social Songbird will keep on singing! More articles are posted every day so keep checking back! Join the discussion on Twitter - #SocialSongbird Or contact us directly - @SocialSongbird_
Entrepreneur, international speaker on Social Media Marketing. First one in the UK to write and speak in conferences about Twitter as a marketing tool. Consultant to Corporate Companies, Government Organizations, Marketing Managers and Business Owners.
Aspiring novelist with a passion for fantasy and crime thrillers. He hopes to one day drop that 'aspiring' prefix. He started as a writer and soon after he was made Executive Editor and Manager of the team at Social Songbird. A position he held for 5 years.
Adrienne is a passionate writer with experience in editing, content creation, and social media marketing. She’s a lover of animals, helping others improve their writing, and 2000s pop culture.
Musician, audio technician, professional tutor and a Cambridge university English student. Interested in writing, politics and obsessed with reading.
Recently graduated with a BA in English Literature from the University of Exeter, and he is about to study an MA in Journalism at the University of Sheffield. He is an aspiring journalist and novelist; in his free time he enjoys playing chess, listening to music and taking long walks through nature.
Lucy is an undergraduate BSc Politics and International Relations student at the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Anna Coopey is a 4th year UG student in Classics at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. She is a keen writer and researcher on a number of topics, varying from Modern Greek literature to revolutionary theory.
Ellie is a recent BA English Literature graduate and aspiring publisher with a passion for writing. Her favourite pastimes include reading and shopping.