problem twitter accounts

[browolf]

So a twitter account has appeared the other day that says a bunch of stuff about teachers, past and present. Some of it is pretty bad. I've reported it for offensive content but I can't find anything particular in terms and conditions/rules that particularly applies to this situation.

 

Anyone else dealt with something like this?

[pete]

Does the content amount to libel? Is it presented as opinion, satire or fact?

 

We've had a few, but it's mostly been kids being idiots and someone usually lets slip that "Fred did it" and it ends pretty quickly after that.

Edited March 14, 2013 by pete

[browolf]

Does the content amount to libel? Is it presented as opinion, satire or fact?

 

 

I'm not sure. But the local police liason says some things are not legal.

[OB1]

Twitter Terms of Service

We do not endorse, support, represent or guarantee the completeness, truthfulness, accuracy, or reliability of any Content or communications posted via the Services or endorse any opinions expressed via the Services. You understand that by using the Services, you may be exposed to Content that might be offensive, harmful, inaccurate or otherwise inappropriate, or in some cases, postings that have been mislabeled or are otherwise deceptive. Under no circumstances will Twitter be liable in any way for any Content.

So that's Twitter absolved of any responsibility whatsoever. There is a bit of hope here though.

 

The Twitter Rules

• Privacy: You may not publish or post other people's private and confidential information, such as credit card numbers, street address or Social Security/National Identity numbers, without their express authorization and permission.
  
• Violence and Threats: You may not publish or post direct, specific threats of violence against others.
  

 

Reinforced here and here.

 

The form for reporting abusive users is here.

 

I'm not sure. But the local police liason says some things are not legal.

In which case you've probably got grounds to get the account banned.

 

Can't help you with the legal/pastoral implications of something like this I'm afraid, hopefully someone else can.

Edited March 14, 2013 by OB1

[AngryTechnician]

I would recommend calling the Safer Internet Centre's professionals helpline for advice. Details here: Helpline - Safer Internet Centre

[browolf]

I would recommend calling the Safer Internet Centre's professionals helpline for advice. Details here: Helpline - Safer Internet Centre

 

That's a great idea. I'll get one of the teachers on it.

 

Have already reported account for abuse. Don't know how long that will take. Meanwhile the account is pushing out tweets at an alarming rate!

[Love_Sausage]

The account gets banned and another will inevitably pop up. We usually leave things like this (facebook pages etc) alone, they soon get bored at the lack of reaction and the interest wanes.

[rad]

find out who is following the account, if you recognise any followers start questioing them.

 

I had one recently, the clue was with the first few followers. The student in question was found thanks to a little more digging.

[browolf]

yeah I thought of looking at the followers. Majority seemed to be ex students. Looks like the perpetrator left 2 or 3 years previously. In any event the account got removed just before I finished work. So the reporting procedure does work!