My five top points for discussion when creating a social media policy.

Well here's my 5 point list to discuss with a Social Media Policy at a fictional workplace that's just considering using web 2.0 tools. This list is written from the organization's perspective to discuss employee behavior and responsibilities when using social networks. I've tried to be both practical and upbeat while introducing some accountability.

1. A social media policy is for all employees of a company not just a few that work in marketing. It spells out what is expected of an employee by an employer and what an employee can and cannot do; along with the consequences of using social media irresponsibly. [http://mashable.com/2009/04/27/social-media-policy/]

2. Published information on social networks must comply with copyright and confidentially laws. Not complying runs the risk of both company and employee being sued. All using social media need to know and understand this very significant point. [http://mashable.com/2009/06/02/social-media-policy-musts/]

3. Social media does have pitfalls but with careful consideration can be overcome and bring positive value to your business. It gives customers another channel to directly interact with you and to enable solve problems in your customer's and business's best interests. [http://mashable.com/2009/06/02/social-media-policy-musts/]

4. Employees using social media on behalf of the business must have official permission to do so; have had training; understand the issues surrounding the use of social media; communications with customers should be transperent identifying the employee's position and comments to customers are the official response and will be followed up by the relevant officer. 

5. Use of personal social media accounts should be restricted to official rest breaks only. Employees should be aware that use of social media could be monitored when using it on company IT infrastructure. Posting of defamatory remarks or offensive comments may result in disciplinary action.

Do you have any opinions about what a social media policy working group should consider when writing a SM policy?