In order to protect the Indiana Association of REALTORS®, Inc. (“the Association”) from the posting of comments and information that may disparage or harm the image or reputation of the Association, the following policy has been developed for Association members and elected and/or appointed leadership (“Members”). For the purpose of this policy, “engaging in/using social media,” means posting or uploading content to all types of interactive electronic communications including but not limited to websites, weblogs, social networks, and discussion boards.
When engaging in social media, always ensure that the information contained in text, internet, e-mail messages and other transmissions is accurate, appropriate ethical and lawful. Further, Members must be vigilant to ensure that they do not disclose any information or organizational data that is confidential or proprietary to the Association or to any third party that had disclosed information to the Association. This includes the use of Association trademarks or material.
If a Member comments on any aspect of the Association’s business or policy issue in which the Association is involved, that Member must clearly identify themselves as a member and include a disclaimer that the views are their own and not those of the Association. Members should neither claim nor imply they are speaking on behalf of the Association unless authorized, in writing to do so.
Examples of conduct prohibited by this policy include, but are not limited to:
- Sending or posting: (IAR reserves the right to remove inappropriate comments/material) images or material that could damage the image or reputation of the Association, its members or employees;
- confidential material, trade secret information or proprietary business information outside of the Association;
- content not related to the association;
- unsolicited or unauthorized advertising or spam;
- repetitive postings or other “trolling” actions;
- messages between competitors regarding prices, fees, discounts, terms and conditions of sale, profits, profit margins, cost data, market shares, sales territories, customer allocation, etc.
- Passing off personal views as representing the Association;
- Transmitting or using communications which are fraudulent, harassing, threatening, discriminatory, illegal, embarrassing, obscene, intimidating, defamatory or slanderous; Failing to observe licensing or copyright agreements;
- Improper or unauthorized use of an electronic signature.
The Association is not responsible for the opinions and information posted by its members. Members assume any and all risks associated with engaging in social media.
This page is an excerpt from the IAR Policy Manual, last updated May 2020.