Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction : defining the boundaries of the theory and practice of social media risk -- Theory into practice : why is stakeholder theory important? -- Risk management theories and practice in social media -- The role of the audience : embracing the opportunities that social media presents -- Managing legal risk in a wired world : general and specific approaches to minimising damage for stakeholders -- Brand, reputational management, and defamation on social media -- Crisis communication and reporting -- Privacy in social media -- See you in court : fair coverage versus a fair trial -- Employment law : private versus professional social media risk -- Consumer and corporate law and social media -- Intellectual property law and plagiarism.

"Social media has many advantages for professional communication - but it also carries considerable risks, including legal pitfalls. This book equips students and communication professionals with the knowledge and skills to help minimise the risks that can arise when they post or host on social media. It offers them strategies for taking advantage of the opportunities of social media while also navigating the ethical, legal, and organisational risks that can lead to audience outrage, brand damage, expensive litigation and communication crises. The book uses stakeholder theory and risk analysis tools to anticipate, identify, address and balance these opportunities and risks. It takes a global approach to risk and social media law, drawing on fascinating case studies from key international jurisdictions to explain and illustrate the basic principles. Whether you are a corporate communicator, social media manager, journalist, marketer, blogger or student you will find this book an essential addition to your professional library as the first reference point when social media and legal risks arise"--