Social Media Policy
Effective Date: April 8, 2013
By participating in InterExchange Social Media, participants are acknowledging and accepting the following as a condition of participation.
I understand that InterExchange uses Social Media (see Definitions of InterExchange and Social Media below) to communicate necessary Program information, share Program updates, send notifications about policies and procedures, feature information about Company developments, engage audiences with Program highlights and share the benefits of Participant cultural exchange experiences. I also understand that InterExchange gives me the opportunity to use Social Media to interact, bond and possibly meet with other Participants during our cultural exchange experiences. Finally, I understand that the Company expects Social Media to provide me with an abundance of ways to share and express ideas with the public, family, friends, other Participants, business contacts and InterExchange.
With these goals in mind, I understand that InterExchange wishes to promote an environment that is conducive to trust and mutual respect and that communicating through Social Media carries certain risks that InterExchange wishes to address through its Social Media Policy (here described as the “Policy” or “Social Media Policy”). In the same way that following Program Regulations and adhering to InterExchange’s other policies and procedures helps to create a great Program for me, I understand that InterExchange developed the best practice requirements (“Requirements”) below to protect me and those with whom I communicate from unintended embarrassment, miscommunication and other consequences.
Definitions
I agree to the following Definitions as they apply to my interpretation and understanding pf InterExchange’s Social Media Policy:
InterExchange herein shall include employees, managers, contractors, agents and other parties authorized to act on InterExchange’s behalf. InterExchange is also referred to as the Company in the Policy.
Social Media means the employment of web- and mobile-based technologies both in the U.S. as well as throughout the world to support interactive dialogue and such other channels that InterExchange deems useful to employ for online or mobile communication (e.g., the sharing of information, ideas, personal messages and other content). I further understand that Social Media introduces substantial and pervasive changes to communication between organizations, communities, individuals and myself.
Having understood the general definition of Social Media, I understand the Policy expressly applies to the following Social Media:
a. Multi-media and social networking websites such as, without limitation, Facebook, Yahoo! Groups, LinkedIn, Google+, Flickr, YouTube, MySpace and other Social Media or video sharing sites;
b. A Blog, which is generally defined, without limitation, as a discussion or informational site published on the web and consisting of discrete entries (“posts”);
c. A Wiki (such as Wikipedia and any other site where text can be posted),” which is generally defined, without limitation, as a website that allows its users to add, modify, or delete its content via a web browser usually using a simplified markup language or a rich text-editor;
d. Sites and/or apps like, without limitation, Twitter on smart devices such as cell phones, digital tablets and similar communication devices; and
e. A ListServ, which is generally defined, without limitation as an automatic mailing list server. When any e-mail is addressed to the LISTSERV mailing list, that e-mail is automatically broadcast to everyone on the list. The result is similar to a news group or forum, except that the messages are transmitted as e-mail and are therefore available only to individuals on the list.
Social Media Requirements
InterExchange is committed to promoting broad and inclusive engagement in Social Media for its Programs. When used appropriately, I understand that Social Media can effectively highlight positive aspects of cultural exchange experiences, build relationships and present useful information, but it is essential that I be mindful of safety, personal and legal issues that may arise from misuse.
Having understood the reasons for the Social Media Policy, I also understand the importance of reading the Social Media Requirements. I understand that the Requirements can be accessed at any time. By using any aspect of the Social Media managed by InterExchange, I agree to the terms and conditions of the Requirements described below. I understand that if I do not agree with the Policy, I am under no obligation to use the Company’s Social Media. I understand that these Requirements may be modified without notice, but any modifications will be widely published in an effort to inform me of any changes. I understand that the date of the most recent revisions will appear on this page. I understand that use of the Social Media constitutes acceptance of the Policy and any changes or revisions.
I understand that a failure to follow these rules, whether listed below or communicated to me by InterExchange, may result in suspension or termination of access to InterExchange Social Media without notice.
Therefore, having agreed to the terms and conditions set forth above, I agree to comply with the following Requirements:
Acceptable Use. I agree to post only remarks directly related and relevant to the cultural exchange experience. I understand that examples of acceptable use of Social Media may be found on the following web pages:
a. www.interexchange.org/articles
English Only. I understand submissions and comments should be in English so that the majority of Participants can read and understand them.
Responsibility for Comments or Content. I understand and agree that InterExchange does not endorse, support, sanction, encourage, verify, or agree with any comments, opinions, or statements posted in Social Media that are not directly and expressly communicated by InterExchange. Any content or comments posted by parties other than InterExchange are the views and responsibility of those posting the content or comment. I agree that InterExchange is not responsible, and shall have no liability, with respect to any information or materials posted by others, including, without limitation, defamatory, offensive or illicit material.
Reliance. I agree that InterExchange does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information that it posts in Social Media, and that I may not therefore rely on the accuracy and completeness of information posted in Social Media without confirmation of policies from InterExchange.
Respect the privacy of others. I understand that privacy does not exist in the world of Social Media. I understand that information can easily become widely known in a short amount of time (i.e., information goes viral and become widely known within minutes or hours), search engines can turn up posts years after they are created and comments can be forwarded or copied. I agree to respect the privacy of others by not disclosing any information that could reasonably be considered personal information, including, but not limited to, Social Security numbers, tax payer identification numbers, full names, addresses (beyond web site or business addresses), personal details (e.g., religion or family interactions) and financial account information of anyone involved with an InterExchange Program.
Stay Safe:
a. Meeting Participant. If I plan to meet with other Participants, I understand the following suggested precautions may increase my safety, and that of the other Participant, but that the precautions are only suggestions, and that I am responsible for using good judgment, following all applicable laws and adhering to InterExchange codes of conduct when meeting others offline.. InterExchange suggests the following: (a) Plan ahead for the meeting by talking over the details with the other Participant (b) Make certain that the place and time that you plan to meet are safe (c) ask whether a third party will be accompanying the other Participant (d) be prepared by making certain someone knows where you are going so that they have some means of reaching you in case of an emergency (d) avoid or minimize activities that may increase the risk of injury (e.g., drinking alcohol or engaging sporting); and (e) conduct yourself in a manner that will not result in trouble for yourself, other Participants or third parties.
Having understood that the above are suggested safety tips, I understand that I assume the risk of meeting other Participants offline, and that InterExchange is in no way hosting or controlling the event(s) and activities with other Participants through Social Media. I agree that InterExchange is not responsible and agree to hold InterExchange as harmless for any meeting between me and other Participants or third parties that may accompany Participants offline.
b. Meeting Non-Participants. I agree to avoid posting information that will place me in a dangerous situation, including, for example, posting information that can be used to locate me, or meeting individuals offline that I have only met online. In addition, I understand that InterExchange cautions against meeting any individual(s) who are not participants in the Program whom I correspond with through Social Media.
Obtain Permission. I agree to not post any images of anyone without getting written permission. In addition, I agree to also obtain written permission from the owner of intellectual property (e.g. logos, videos, songs and text) that I use in Social Media. I also agree to not claim ownership or a license to intellectual property that I do not own or that I have not licensed.
Balance Social Media with Program commitments. I agree that my time and effort spent using Social Media must not interfere with meeting my requirements under my contract with InterExchange (e.g., cultural exchange obligations) or duties or work commitments to my Host Employer.
Avoid Liability. I must not use Social Media in a way that will subject anyone to liability (criminal or civil) such as by posting obscene or illegal material or services or harassment of others. I must not engage in any activity that may result in legal action against InterExchange or those in a contractual or business relationship with InterExchange.
Security. I agree to be cognizant of and avoid using links that contain viruses and/or malware that may compromise security
Conduct. When using Social Media linked to InterExchange or those in a relationship with InterExchange, I agree to comply with the following conduct:
a. I agree to avoid violating the intellectual property rights (e.g., trademarks, brands, trade secrets and copyrights) of others. If I post intellectual property, I understand that I may only do so after securing the necessary rights to post the Intellectual Property I further agree to comply with all of InterExchange’s policies pertaining to intellectual property, including requesting written permission to use InterExchange intellectual property.
b. Whenever possible, I understand that I can link back to an InterExchange branded site, provided that, the link does not violate any other requirement of this Policy. Ideally, posts should be very brief, redirecting a visitor to content that resides within the InterExchange branded environment.
c. I understand that promotion of non-InterExchange services or products is prohibited.
d. Content must not contain material that is tortious, defamatory, slanderous or libelous;
e. Content must not be obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, profanity, hateful, lewd, derogatory, inappropriate, threatening, discriminatory (hate speech) based on race, sex, gender, religion, national origin, age, or disability or in bad taste. I understand that when I express an opinion, engage in debate or reflect on issues, that I cannot attack or intimate others. I agree to be considerate of cultural differences
f. Content must not contain material that promotes any illegal activities or any other activity that may appear unsafe (e.g. activities involving drug or alcohol use), harassing or dangerous;
g. Content must not contain material that shows destruction of property or cruelty to animals;
h. Content must not contain material that promotes a political agenda or message
i. Content must not contain material that is unlawful or in violation of or contrary to the laws or regulations where the Submission is created;
j. Content must not be intentionally misleading or damaging information.
k. Content must not contain any materials relating to lotteries, gambling, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or firearms;
l. Content must not violate InterExchange or U.S. Department of State requirements regarding the J-1 Visa Program
m. Content must not sell or solicit products or services or otherwise promote organizations, people, events or activities that are not a part of the Program Promotion of services or products (not including noncommercial links that are relevant to the topic).
Right to Edit:
a. I understand and agree that InterExchange reserves the right, but undertake no duty, to review, edit, move, or delete any material submitted as a comment for display or placed in Social Media at their sole discretion without notice.
b. I understand that continuous inappropriate conduct by me could result in my being banned and negatively impact my participation in the Program, including, but not limited to, termination from the Program. I understand that any party can report me for violating terms. I further understand that a report about my conduct may result in getting a “warning” or banned at InterExchange’s discretion at any time. A suspension involves the following: (i) Posts to the Websites are disabled (ii) After 30 days of suspension the ability to post will be reinstated; (iii) If a participant should continue to violate the terms and is suspended more than once, his/her posting ability will be terminated until further notice.
Disrepute. I agree to not use Social Media in a manner that may otherwise lead to disrepute for InterExchange or the U.S. Department of State. I understand that what I say or display online could potentially be harmful to InterExchange, others and myself.
Follow Rules of Social Media Site(s). If I am on a Social Media Site owned by another company (e.g., Facebook, Youtube and Twitter), I agree to follow the policies set forth by the Social Media Site when posting information regarding my relationship to InterExchange. I understand that following the rules of the Social Media Site are in addition to following the rules set forth in InterExchange’s Social Media Policy. In addition, I agree that InterExchange is not responsible for ensuring my compliance with the rules, practices or procedures of the Social Media Site.
Consequences. I understand that a failure to follow the rules set forth in this Policy may result in removal of my content, blocking of my account or other adverse actions by InterExchange or third parties. I agree that InterExchange is not responsible for my actions. I agree to indemnify and hold InterExchange and its officers, agents and employees harmless from any liability, loss or damage they may suffer as a result of claims, demands, costs or judgments against them arising out of or pertaining to my activities in Social Media.
Ask Questions. I understand that InterExchange has provided the forgoing rules to enhance my cultural exchange experience. I understand that these rules shall apply throughout the duration of my Program. I also understand that these rules may be modified during the Program. If I have any questions about this Social Media Policy, I agree to contact InterExchange for guidance.
Make Suggestions. InterExchange looks forward to your involvement with our Program and appreciate your respect for these Requirements. If you have comments or suggestions, please contact us. Enjoy being part of the conversation.
