IOC Define Social Media Use Guidelines for Athletes

June 28, 2011

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has insisted it wants to encourage athletes to use social media during the London 2012 Games after issuing guidelines for use.

The IOC stated that Olympic competitors should “post, unhealthy blog and tweet their experiences”, sale but warned that if rules are broken it can withdraw accreditation, cialis shut down online operations or even start legal proceedings. The IOC also emphasised that athletes cannot use the platforms for commercial or advertising purposes, or to share videos filmed at Olympic venues.

The governing body has drawn up the rules after problems with social media usage during the Vancouver Winter Olympics. The IOC said: “Unlike in Vancouver, where the rules were adapted to fit changed circumstances, the rules in force in London have been properly codified.

“Postings, blogs or tweets should be in a first-person, diary-type format and should not be in the role of a journalist,” the IOC document added, according to The Associated Press. “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.”

The IOC stated that all content should “be dignified and in good taste, and not contain vulgar or obscene words or images”. The governing body added: “Apart from that, we want people to share as much as possible their personal experience of the games.”