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What privacy issues should businesses watch on social media?

Short answer

Watch what you share about customers, what you collect from them and who can access your accounts. Ask for written permission before you post people, homes or stories. Keep private details out of public replies. Protect data from lead forms and messages. Follow COPPA for children under 13, and follow HIPAA if you are a health provider.

In this answer
  1. 01Common privacy risks
  2. 02Special rules
  3. 03Photos need a second look
  4. 04Protect the accounts

Common privacy risks

RiskHow to avoid it
Posting customers without consentAsk in writing and keep the consent on file
Showing addresses or platesBlur house numbers, plates and documents
Sharing details in repliesMove anything personal to a private channel
Lead form data left openLimit access and delete what you do not need
Shared loginsUse partner access and two-factor login

Special rules

  • Children. COPPA applies to online services directed to children under 13 that collect their personal information.
  • Health. HIPAA generally requires written authorization before using patient information in marketing.
  • Reviews. HHS has penalized dental practices for revealing patient details in review replies.
  • Ads. Meta limits targeting in housing, jobs and financial ads.

Photos need a second look

Job photos can reveal more than you think. A house number, a car plate, a calendar on the wall or a child's face can all identify people. Check the background before you post, and crop or blur what does not belong.

Protect the accounts

Use two-factor login on every profile. Give each person their own access instead of sharing a password. Remove access the day someone leaves.

Good example. A home cleaner blurs house numbers in every photo and asks clients before posting their homes. Clients trust the company with keys.

Bad example. A cleaner posts a client's kitchen with mail visible on the counter. The client sees their name online and cancels.

Read how to stay compliant. Our social media marketing builds consent into every shoot.

Keep reading

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