Please help SCR educate members to be very careful on social media.
Golden rule…
If you cannot say something nice about someone…
Social media posting, risk management thoughts:
NAR ethics prohibit hate/harassing posts on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity. Do not stray into a potential violation when discussing political and religious issues and other real estate professionals and their business online, so be cautious.
When two competitors communicate about compensation/commission/price fixing or boycotting in certain situations, that can entangle you in antitrust lawsuits and prosecution with the United States Department of Justice. Avoid this.
Don’t illegally/unethically post other people’s listings. Get legal written permission. Your website can post other broker’s listings via the MLS rules IDX feed which auto updates MLS information such as price changes and status changes.
Don’t illegally post other people’s intellectual property (e.g., photos, videos, art, writing, listings, reports). Get legal written permission.
Make your own intellectual property.
Photos are high risk unless using your photos or obtaining licenses to use the photos.
Many photographers can trace their photos online using web crawler robots using embedded information and these photographers sometimes have a law firm on retainer to sue you for money for using their photos without authorization. Beware Google Images.
Call the hotline before posting.
Never post when angry or upset. Wait 24 hours and revisit after you have calmed without anger or upset.
Consider not posting?
Some tips on social media posting are in the SCR leadership social media policy.
Posted by: Byron King on 12/07/22 (This information is only accurate as of 12/07/22. You must contact SCR for updates and changes to this information after 12/07/22 as laws and regulations may change over time. SCR 803-772-5206 or email info at screaltors.org or email byron at screaltors.org)
This information is not legal advice. This information is intended only to provide general information and may not be relied upon as specific legal guidance. Legal counsel should always be consulted before acting in reliance on this information.