User-Generated Comments and Your Publication’s Liability

In the latest report from the SPLC, the Center gives an in-depth look at “Understanding Cybershield Law.” It’s a great read for any publication that is currently online or ones that are thinking of moving online. It talks about what the courts have said regarding a publication’s liability of content posted on its site. It talks about the difference between staff created content and user-generated material and gives some advice on what should or shouldn’t be edited from user-generated material.

The piece discusses everything from Cybershield’s background and court interpretations to source of challenged content and implications for the student media. It really is worth a look for advisers and students who oversee content on scholastic media Web sites.