Articles
Keeping Your Child Safe Online
The digital age increases the risks that children face from criminals
Data Protection "D-Day"
People were complaining about the dozens of emails they received last week informing them that international companies were updating their privacy policies and asking them to verify information due to the GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATION taking effect in the E U.
“Online Luring” - Social Media Update
There is nothing more terrifying to a parent than the thought of their child being in danger or exposed to a predator.
Netflix Controversy - Media Update
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (“ICASA”) held public hearings about TV subscription services and the “Netflix phenomenon” was firmly in the spotlight.
You are fired - Social Media Update
We have been warning people for years that they should be very careful about the things that they post on their Facebook pages if they want to keep their job
Delete Facebook - The Backlash Against the Giant
The fact is that Facebook is voluntary and people consent to all sorts of outrageous privacy infringements willingly in order to get the service.
Twitter Wars & the Hate Speech Bill
The new Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill which has been approved by cabinet for consideration by parliament. In terms of this new Bill, the criminalisation of hate speech is introduced into our law which has far reaching consequences.
Revoking University Degrees for Online Behaviour
We have all been warned that our current online behaviour may have a detrimental effect on our future, however there is now a possibility that it can have a disastrous effect on our past achievements.
The Chain of Publication - Social Media Update
Be very careful about posting controversial, defamatory or abusive messages on social media sites… you could end up in court staring down a very hefty legal bill.
Catfishing and Online Extortion - Urban Legend or Real Concern
It appears that there are syndicates operating in the country using this form of trickery to extract vast amounts of money from people. “Catfishes” will be removed by social media platforms if they have pretended to be you and you report them with the images that they have made.
Do South Africans have a 'Right to be Forgotten'?
If you “Google” yourself, you may be surprised with the results! Unfortunately, this can have very negative consequences for people looking for jobs.
Social Media and Domestic Violence
The sad tale, which has become far too common place these days, of a relationship gone badly wrong resulting in the scorned lover turning to Facebook to humiliate his ex.
Facebook Newsfeed Revamp - Social Media Update
This is the year for “meaningful social interactions” according to Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook’s founder and CEO.
Social Media Update - The French Government & Mobile Phones - Progress or Gone Too Far?
The French government recently announced that from the start of the school year in September 2018, mobile phones will be banned completely in primary, junior and middle schools.
Matric Silly Season - Social Media Update
Don’t let the December holidays be ruined having to spend time with lawyers defending a social media case!
Don't Let Black Friday Become Black December
Your credit card can be used without it being stolen out of your wallet… online accounts can be hacked… don’t let your November shopping turn into a December nightmare.
Social Media Reaction to Fees Commission
President Zuma announced the findings of Judge Heher who chaired the Fee Commission. The reaction to the report on social media was swift and many of the comments expressed great disappointment in the findings.
Is There Ever an Excuse for Piracy?
In the last few days a PDF version of the Jacques Pauw bestseller The President’s Keepers, has been circulating on Whatsapp. It seems that the public were concerned that the book would be pulled from the shelves and so a “pirated” copy was spread virally.
Political Parties, Social Media & Schools: Unlawful Mix?
What many people do not know is that in terms of the Schools Act there is a legal prohibition on political activity during school time at public schools.
Social Media Plans Gone Wrong
It is often very difficult to anticipate how the audience will interpret an advert or whether it will cause offence.
Stopping the Snoopers - Social Media Update
There have been all sorts of allegations about a “dirty tricks” campaign that has been launched against the Deputy-President, Cyril Ramaphosa.
The Shock Value of Viral Videos
It is important to remember that the social media universe should not play the role of the police and prosecutor and judge regarding crimes that they perceive have been committed and documented on platforms such as Facebook.
The Political “Twitterverse” - Social Media Update
It has been an extremely busy week for politicians and their detractors on social media...
Social Media Detective Work
Parents need to realise that teenagers are sometimes too immature to handle what they are presented with online and it can lead to incredible danger. Educate them on the pitfalls.
Social Media and School Protests
Recently high schools have been the sites of protests where significant assistance in organising pupils and getting their message across has been provided by social media.
Public Violence Caught on Camera - Social Media Update
Everyone, and more especially public figures, need to remember that everyone with a smartphone is potentially a cameraman and unruly behavior is likely to be recorded and posted online.
Stealing Hearts (and more) on Social Media
It seems that the news surrounding social media is getting stranger and stranger by the day!
Cyberstalker Convicted
This case makes it clear that the criminal courts are taking this type of behaviour seriously and it is not just the risk of civil claims that cyber stalkers face when engaging in these types of actions.
Brand Damage on Social Media
There is no doubt that the social media space is vital for marketing in this day and age but when things go wrong they can quickly spiral out of control and it is very difficult to have a strategy in place that anticipates all of these issues.
Social Media & Schools
Schools will often be placed in the spotlight when one of their learners does something silly on social media.
Admission Revoked - Social Media Update
Young people in South Africa are starting to secure their places in Universities for the coming years and would be well advised to be very careful not to make the same mistakes as these students in the USA.
Email Snoops: Social Media Law Update
In terms of the Regulation of the Interception of Communications Act (RICA), you are allowed to “intercept” communications such as emails if you are a party or recipient of that email.
Social Media Update: #Bluewhale
There are certainly many dangers on social media which can undoubtedly cause harm to young teens which deserve the focus and attention of the public such as cyber bullying or sexting or other unlawful activity.
The South African Human Right Commission: National Hearing on Racism and Social Media
Recently the South African Human Rights Commission held a national hearing on Racism and Social Media. The Department of Justice, the National Prosecuting Authority, Facebook, academics, civil society organisations such as the Freedom of Expression Institute, FW de Klerk Foundation, Afriforum and journalists presented their thoughts on the increasing incidence of online racism.
Arbitration Awards, CCMA Referrals and Prescription – What Does the Constitutional Court Say?
The Constitutional Court recently handed down judgment in the case of Mogaila v Coca Cola Fortune (Pty) Ltd, finding that an arbitration award does not prescribe in terms of the Prescription Act. The Court made this finding in line with Myathaza v Johannesburg Metropolitan Bus Services (SOC) Limited t/a Metrobus (where a divided court reached the same conclusion, with none of them holding the majority).
Social Media Update: Targeting Teens
Facebook came under fire in Australia recently when an internal Facebook analysis was leaked in which Facebook reported that it can monitor when users are feeling inter alia, 'overwhelmed', 'defeated' and 'stressed', and this information can be used by advertisers to target their campaigns.
The South African Human Rights Commission: National Hearing on Racism and Social Media
The reason for the hearing is clear... increasingly and most unfortunately, the SAHRC is receiving complaints of racism and discrimination and citing the location of the incident as “social media”. the SAHRC has received 505 race-related complaints over 20 years after our first democratic election.
Social Media Update - Fake News on Facebook: Getting Tough on the Liars
Facebook introduces tools to combat fake news and media hoaxes.
Social Media Update - Social Media "Detox"
The benefits and risks of stepping away from your social media presence.
Social Media Update - Jailing Social Media Trolls
In South Africa there is no specific legislation that criminalises online harassment although victims can approach the Magistrates’ Court for a harassment order. That order will not result in jail time for a perpetrator unless it is breached
Social Media Update: Did Trump Win the Presidency on Social Media?
Was his presence on social media a key factor in Donald Trump's victory?
Social Media Update: #Matricmadness
Many Grade 12 pupils are already on study leave with the final exams looming. Every year there are stories of over exuberant teenagers getting too excited too soon and doing something stupid before writing their final exams.
Social Media Law Update - Facebook Privacy Notice
How to deal with your concerns regarding privacy and social media.
Social Media Law Update - Complaining via Social Media
“Naming and shaming” on social media is an increasingly popular way for people to complain - however there is a risk to using social media to complain about professional people such as doctors and attorneys.
Social Media and the Stars
Take time to think before you 'tweet'. Sound advice on safely using social media to promote your brand.
Important POPI Alert - The Information Regulator has been Appointed
On 7 September 2016, the Information Regulator for Protection of Personal Information (POPI) and Promotion of Access to Information (PAIA) has been appointed.
Social Media Law Update: The Catalyst for Social Change
When a societal campaign “goes viral” such as the #FeesMustFall or #RhodesMustFall authorities would do well to sit up and listen because it is a clear indicator that change is on the horizon.
Social Media Law - Keep Family Matters Offline!
During divorce or custody matters, it is unlawful to publish any information which could reveal the identity of any child who is the subject of court proceedings in the Children’s Court.
Social Media Law Update: Olympic Fever - Sports Experts
In an Olympic year it seems that every person is a sports expert, but one has to be very careful about the way that you share your opinions on social media, especially if you are just a passionate sports fan and not an expert.
Social Media Update: No Selfies with your Ballot!
Local Government elections on Wednesday 3 August are definitely a significant day on our calendar, however, did you know that it would be an offence to share a picture of your ballot on social media?
Social Media Tuesdays - "Political Campaigns & Social Media"
Verlie has a regular slot on ECR's Breakfast Stack every Tuesday at 07.40 listen each week for practical tips on how to manage Social Media.
Social Media Tuesdays - "Social Media Darlings?"
Verlie has a regular slot on ECR's Breakfast Stack every Tuesday at 07.40 listen each week for practical tips on how to manage Social Media.
Social Media Tuesdays - '#racistrantonvideo' by Verlie Oosthuizen Head of Social Media Law
Verlie has a regular slot on ECR's Breakfast Stack every Tuesday at 07:40 listen each week for practical tips on how to manage Social Media.
The Social Media Tornado: "For Fools Rush in Where Angels Fear to Tread"**
The implications of entering into a debate on a social media platform.
"Don't Feed The Trolls": Cyber Bullying
Information to help deal with the negative side of social media
Crucial Evidence in Dismissal Cases
Employers need to be aware of the most important categories of evidence
When Gareth Cliff Sued M-Net - Reputation Management and Social Media
Social Media, the consequences of using Social Media and the law applicable to Social Media use have all come under the spotlight in recent months on the back of certain individual’s controversial social media posts and the subsequent termination of their work contracts. A high profile example of this was the cancellation of Gareth Cliff's Idols judging contract by M-net after he tweeted a comment that was viewed unfavourably by the general public in the wake of the Penny Sparrow furore.
Is "Big Brother" Watching You at Work? Is This Allowed?
In the week of 11 January 2016, the European Court of Human Rights delivered a landmark decision regarding the inappropriate use of social media messaging platform, Yahoo Messenger, by an employee in Romania.
#PennyMustFall: Why Social Media Advice and Training is Crucial for Employers and Employee Alike
In the wake of the recent Penny Sparrow and Chris Hart debacles, there has never been a better time for employers to familiarise both themselves and their employees on Social Media Law...
The Protection of Personal Information Act 2013: The Dangers of Employees and their Devices
In order to increase efficiency and productivity as well as to take advantage of developments in technology in the workplace, it is prudent for employers to provide certain of their employees with various mobile and hand held devices such as smart phones, tablets, laptop computers and the like
"Daddy Day Care": Developing the Rights of Fathers to Paternity Leave
There is no doubt that the conventional familial landscape in our country has changed significantly in the last few decades
#rant: How Far is Too Far for Employees on Social Media?
Careless use of social media has been in the forefront of the news in the last few weeks.
