So it’s surprising to see a set of almost reasonable, even positive, guidelines on Social Media, Blogging and the Internet published by the IOC in advance of this summer’s Olympics in London.
In particular the IOC is actively encouraging athletes and other “accredited persons” to tweet, blog and post their experiences in the build up and during the event itself.
However, it has to be personal. It can’t be news.
It is entirely acceptable for a participant or any other accredited person to do a personal posting, blog or tweet. However, any such postings, blogs or tweets must be in a first-person, diary-type format and should not be in the role of a journalist – i.e. they must not report on competition or comment on the activities of other participants or accredited persons, or disclose any information which is confidential or private in relation to any other person or organisation.
Postings, blogs and tweets should at all times conform to the Olympic spirit and fundamental principles of Olympism as contained in the Olympic Charter, be dignified and in good taste, and not contain vulgar or obscene words or images.
But then it begins to firm up…
Participants and other accredited persons cannot post any video and/or audio of the events, competitions or any other activities which occur at Olympic Venues. Such video and/or audio must only be for personal use and must not be uploaded and/or shared to a posting, blog or tweet on any social media platforms, or to a website.
Participants & accredited persons can post still photographs taken within Olympic venues for personal use, but it is not permitted to commercialise, sell or otherwise distribute these photographs.
Of course promoting/endorsing third party products/brands/services, setting up a domain with the word “Olympics” in it, or using the Olympics’ 5-ring logo or the London Olympics logo, is taboo!
Are you going to the London Olympics?
Image: Jorimzzz
I might be attending. Luckily living and going to college in London we may have the chance of being at a few of the events. I think it’s quite cool that the athletes are being allowed to tweet, even though it seems quite restricted. For those who are interested in sports it’s great!