While the development of the information society brings about significant economic and social benefits, the use and publication of personal data raises fundamental rights concerns.

In a world where hashtags can now be registered as trademarks and you can be fired for a Tweet you sent whilst on vacation, it is imperative that employers and employees fully understand the consequences and risks associated with Social Media. Social Media is one of the most commonly used means of communication and, for that reason, disputes arising out of the use of Social Media are being taken seriously by the courts. Social Media usage greatly complicates employment relations, with an increased number of dismissals for Social Media misconduct both locally and internationally, and questions being raised as to what extent trade unions can use Social Media to further strike action. There is no current South African legislation dealing explicitly with Social Media and it is still an underdeveloped area of law in the rest of the world.

Social @ Wylie will help you navigate the world of Social Media law, ensuring you are prepared and protected. Social @ Wylie offers not only innovative solutions, but also the added advantage of problem solving from a legal perspective. As part of a larger legal firm, the team also has the added advantage of consultation with practitioners from other areas of law, resulting in truly integrated advice.

Our areas of expertise include inter alia:

  • Social Media policy drafting and enforcement

  • Corporate Social Media strategy

  • Employment laws

  • Staff training

  • Privacy and data protection

  • Advertising standards and media laws

  • Consumer protection laws

  • Copyright and trademark

  • Electronic communications policy

  • Enforcement mechanisms

  • Alternative dispute resolution

Verlie Oosthuizen
Partner, Head of Social Media Law