Legal and Ethical Considerations
Expert-defined terms from the Professional Certificate in Online Community Management course at London School of Business and Administration. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
Legal and Ethical Considerations Glossary #
Legal and Ethical Considerations Glossary
1 #
ADA Compliance
ADA compliance refers to the adherence of online platforms to the Americans with… #
In the context of online community management, ensuring ADA compliance involves making websites and digital content accessible to people with disabilities, such as providing alternative text for images, captions for videos, and keyboard navigation options.
2 #
COPPA
COPPA is a U #
S. federal law that imposes requirements on websites and online services that collect personal information from children under the age of 13. Online community managers must ensure compliance with COPPA by obtaining parental consent before collecting any personal information from children, including usernames, email addresses, or other identifiable data.
3 #
Data Privacy
Data privacy refers to the protection of individuals' personal information from… #
Online community managers have a responsibility to safeguard users' data and comply with relevant data privacy laws, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the European Union. Implementing data privacy measures includes obtaining user consent for data collection, securely storing and transmitting data, and providing users with control over their personal information.
4 #
Digital Rights Management
Digital Rights Management (DRM) encompasses technologies and strategies used to… #
Online community managers may need to implement DRM solutions to safeguard intellectual property, such as videos, documents, or software, shared within the community. DRM tools can restrict access, prevent downloads, and track usage of digital assets to enforce copyright protection.
5 #
Fair Use
Fair use is a legal doctrine that allows the limited use of copyrighted material… #
Online community managers should be aware of fair use principles when sharing or reposting copyrighted content within the community. Understanding the boundaries of fair use can help avoid copyright infringement claims and legal disputes.
6 #
Intellectual Property
Intellectual property (IP) refers to creations of the mind, such as inventions,… #
Online community managers must respect intellectual property rights and refrain from using copyrighted material without permission. Managing intellectual property within the community involves obtaining licenses for content, enforcing copyright policies, and addressing infringement issues promptly.
7 #
Online Harassment
Online harassment encompasses various forms of abusive behavior, such as cyberbu… #
Online community managers play a crucial role in preventing and addressing online harassment by enforcing community guidelines, moderating content, and providing support to victims. Creating a safe and inclusive environment requires proactive measures to combat harassment and promote respectful interactions among members.
8 #
Terms of Service
Terms of Service (ToS) are legal agreements that outline the rules and condition… #
Online community managers are responsible for drafting and enforcing clear and comprehensive ToS to establish expectations for users, protect the platform from liability, and regulate user behavior. ToS typically cover topics such as acceptable content, privacy policies, intellectual property rights, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
9. User #
generated Content
User #
generated content (UGC) refers to any form of content, such as posts, comments, images, videos, or reviews, created by users within an online community. Online community managers must moderate and manage UGC to ensure compliance with community guidelines, legal requirements, and ethical standards. Encouraging user participation while maintaining quality and relevance of UGC can enhance community engagement and foster a sense of belonging among members.
10 #
Web Accessibility
Web accessibility involves designing websites and digital content to be usable b… #
Online community managers should prioritize web accessibility by following best practices, such as using accessible design elements, providing alternative text for multimedia, and ensuring compatibility with assistive technologies. Improving web accessibility enhances the user experience for all community members and promotes inclusivity and diversity.