Social media has many advantages for professional communication – but it also carries considerable risks, including legal pitfalls. This book equips students and communication professionals with the knowledge and skills to help minimise the risks that can arise when they post or host on social media.

Part 1 – Social media law and risk management: introduction and context Chapter 1 – Introduction – defining the boundaries of the theory and practice of social media risk Chapter 2 – Theory into practice: why is stakeholder theory important? Chapter 3 – Risk management theories and practice in social media Part 2 – Social media attributes contributing to opportunity and risk Chapter 4 – The role of the audience: embracing the opportunities that social media presents Chapter 5 – Managing legal risk in a wired world: general and specific approaches to minimising damage for stakeholders Part 3 – Brand and reputational opportunity and risk Chapter 6 – Brand, reputational management and defamation on social media Chapter 7 – Crisis communication and reporting Part 4 – Risks at the intersection of human rights, law and ethics Chapter 8 – Privacy in social media Chapter 9 – See you in court: fair coverage versus a fair trial Part 5 – Legal risks of social media in business Chapter 10 – Employment law – private versus professional social media risk Chapter 11 – Consumer and corporate law and social media Chapter 12 – Intellectual property law and plagiarism

‘This is a highly practical, well-written book with up-to-date law and case studies that I will recommend that my Social Media and the Law students read.’ Dr Marilyn Bromberg, Director Higher Degrees (Coursework) The University of Western Australia Law School