Legal Issues Protecting yourself from legal problems

[Shawn Gossman]

There are many different internet of things that can get you in hot water, whether criminal or civil.

Things like image copyright violations, not quoting articles, theft of content, privacy issues, bullying, child safety problems, and so much more.

What are you doing as a forum owner to protect yourself from liability and legal problems that you could be faced with because of your forum?

Have any of you ever experienced any legal issues that more forum admins need to be made aware of?

 

[Heatman]

Staying original is the only way to avoid being dragging into copyright violations and theft of content as well privacy issues. This is why copying stuffs and putting it out as my own would be the last thing I would do. I wouldn't ever get into bullying and abuse because I'm smart enough to know that's not right.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

Staying original is the only way to avoid being dragging into copyright violations and theft of content as well privacy issues. This is why copying stuffs and putting it out as my own would be the last thing I would do. I wouldn't ever get into bullying and abuse because I'm smart enough to know that's not right.

It's very important to be original!

 

[Wayne]

First and foremost, admins need to make sure their terms and privacy policy are solid. That’s your first line of defense.

Beyond that I think most forums these days are so niche that (aside from the obvious step of monitoring for strictly illegal content) I don’t worry about it much. When you have a focused community and clear rules in place, most of those broader liability issues don't tend to surface.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

First and foremost, admins need to make sure their terms and privacy policy are solid. That’s your first line of defense.

That is a big line of defense that many admins ignore.

The default policies that come with the software are usually not enough.

It also doesn't take a lawyer to get a good policy. Just research and use common sense.