Understanding the Role of Social Media Policy in Community Associations
With over 63% of adults in the U.S. having a Facebook account, you might be wondering if your community association should have one too. Many are viewing it as a cool upgrade to the old bulletin board in the clubhouse, giving residents a spot to chat and share with a wider audience. But here’s the catch: while social media brings people together, it can also bring legal headaches for these associations. To better protect the association and its members, it is important to implement a solid social media policy.
Potential Legal HOA Liability
Imagine this: someone posts something nasty about their neighbor on the community’s Facebook page. Suddenly, the association might get hit with a defamation lawsuit. And it’s not just defamation – there are copyright issues and invasions of privacy to worry about too. Sure, there are some laws that offer some protection, but they don’t guarantee safety from lawsuits. Plus, the association might not catch these problem posts right away since it’s usually run by volunteers who don’t have all day to patrol the page.
And even if the HOA association tries to play it safe by only letting certain people post or by approving every post before it goes live, there’s still a risk. What if they accidentally green-light something that causes trouble? It’s like walking a tightrope.
So, the safest bet? Keep it simple. Let the community association itself post important stuff like event details and dues reminders, and keep member posts to a minimum, in accordance with the HOA social media policy.
HOA Insurance Coverage for Social Media Communications
Most associations probably don’t realize that their current policies might not cover the mess social media can stir up. Defamation, copyright issues, etc. – these might not be covered. So before diving into the social media pool, it’s smart to check in with your insurance company to make sure everything’s covered.
Social Media Policy Examples for HOAs to Stay Safe On Social Media Platforms
If the association still thinks the benefits of social media outweigh the risks, be sure to talk to an HOA attorney to draft up a solid social media policy. This should cover who’s in charge, who can post what, and rules for sharing pictures. Don’t forget a disclaimer on the page saying the association doesn’t endorse what people post. For inspiration, consider reviewing some social media policy examples.
Social media can be a fun way for communities to connect, but it has its downfalls too. If your HOA association is thinking about using social media, be sure to consult legal and insurance experts to ensure you are covered.
Expert Legal Guidance for Your Community Association’s Social Media Needs
If your community association needs legal guidance on social media policy matters, turn to NowackHoward. Our team of experienced HOA attorneys specializes in community association law and can help navigate any HOA legal issues. With a reputation as a top law firm in this field, we’ve earned recognition for our outstanding services. Trust us to support and protect your association as you explore social media opportunities.
