Social networking and personal internet presence

The use of social networking sites (e.g., Facebook, Myspace, LinkedIn, Bebo, Twitter), whilst providing a positive way for people to interact online, has also increased the likelihood that media communications will affect the university and you. Whilst the university does not centrally moderate your use of such technology, it does require you to adhere to all applicable university policies and guidance.

The purpose of this guidance is to protect the university's and your reputation, and to make you aware of relevant university policies and guidance. It is also intended to ensure that you understand the implications of using material that could be considered abusive or defamatory. 

If your personal internet presence makes no reference to Imperial College London or its staff or students, and the university cannot be identified, the content is unlikely to be of concern to the university. If your university employment, its staff or students are referred to, then the information posted would need to adhere to the following guidelines and policies:

• If you refer to your employment at the university on a social networking site, you should use a disclaimer that protects the university, e.g. 'These are my personal views and not those of Imperial College London'
• You should not disclose confidential information relating to your university employment.
• Sites should not be used to abuse staff or students verbally. Privacy and feelings of others should be respected at all times. You should obtain individuals' permission before posting contact details or pictures. Care should be taken to avoid using language which could be deemed offensive to others.
• If information on a site raises concerns about a conflict of interest, you should raise the issue with your manager.
• Sites must not be used to access or share illegal content.
• Occasional personal use of the desktop computer, e-mail and web access is permitted, provided such use does not disrupt the conduct of university business or other Users. When using university IT facilities, you must comply with the Information System's Security Policy.
• When using collaborative internet environments (e.g. social network sites, wikis, blogs), you should ensure that you do so in line with the Information System's Security Policy: Code of Practice

Full information on the university's acceptable use of IT is available via the links below:

• Blogging - terms and conditions of use
• Information Systems Security policies, codes of practice and guidelines
• Social Media Guidelines

Your attention is drawn to the following extracts contained within three related People Function policies. The complete policies may also be viewed:

• Harassment, Bullying and Victimisation Policy‌ 
• 2/ Appendix A - Bullying:  The exercise of power over another person through persistent, negative acts or behaviour that undermines an individual, personally and/or professionally. Bullying can be threatening, insulting, abusive, disparaging or intimidating behaviour, placing inappropriate pressure on the recipient, which can affect self-confidence and self-esteem or has the effect of isolating or excluding them. Bullying can take the form of persistent shouting, sarcasm or derogatory remarks; it can be constant criticism, without constructive support, to assist a member of staff to address performance concerns; it may also include cyberbullying, i.e. using the internet and related technologies to harm another person in a deliberate, repeated and hostile manner. The distinction between good management and bullying is that, whilst the former is intended to support and develop potential and to promote desired work performance, the latter is intended to hurt, intimidate and undermine the individual.
  
  
• Disciplinary Policy and Procedure

• 3.1.5 - Breach of the university’s Information Systems Security Policy on the use of collaborative internet environments or the conditions of use of IT facilities may count as a misconduct issue.
• 6.2 - Where the complaint is an allegation of harassment or bullying, then consideration will be given to suspending the process to review the allegation under the Resolution Policy and Procedure.
• 10.8 - Gross misconduct - the following offences are listed, which are considered serious enough that they may warrant dismissal without prior formal warnings (the list is not to be considered exclusive or exhaustive).