Certified Internet Web (CIW) Professional Practice Exam

If an employee starts a social networking account without company approval, what should the company do?

1. Request the employee to stop using company logos but allow the account to continue.

2. Provide a link to the employee's page from the company’s official account.

3. Reference the employee's page in the company's internal newsletter.

4. Terminate the employee's employment for copyright and trademark violation.

The correct answer is: Terminate the employee's employment for copyright and trademark violation.

Terminating an employee's employment for starting a social networking account without company approval is a valid response that highlights the importance of maintaining control over a company's image and brand representation. When an employee creates a personal social media account that uses company logos or discusses company-related matters without authorization, it can lead to a number of potential risks for the organization, including misrepresentation of the company's values, direction, and public engagement. Such unauthorized accounts can mislead customers, partners, and the public, causing confusion regarding the official communication channels of the company. They can also result in a breach of policy regarding intellectual property, as the use of company logos could violate copyright and trademark laws when not authorized. In a professional environment, employees are often required to adhere to specific guidelines regarding external communications. These guidelines help protect both the company and the employee. Therefore, taking a serious approach to someone who violates these policies by setting up an unauthorized social networking account could protect the company's interests and reputation, making termination a justified response in situations where the severity and potential ramifications of the violation warrant such action. For the other options, allowing the account to continue with modifications or recognizing it in company communications could not only undermine the seriousness of the policy violation but also increase risks associated with miscommunication