Facebook "Unfriending" May Create Legal Liability

Be careful whom you Facebook "friend" and "unfriend" because this act may have legal consequences.  An employment law case originating in Australia recently mentioned Facebook "Unfriending" in one of its decisions as a point of contention and it wouldn't surprise me if this issue gains more legal significance in similar cases around the world.

According to Wired UK, Australia's Fair Work Commission recently stated that that "unfriending" a work colleague showed a "lack of emotional maturity".  Did the commission declare the act bullying?  No; however, the fact that this was even mentioned demonstrates that the issue was on the minds of the commission's members and that it may play a larger role in future decisions.  

This new development demonstrates the importance of creating reasonable digital policies and training and continually educating employees about online issues.  The bottom line is that every digital mouse click and character posted may have legal repercussions.  Therefore, its imperative to ensure that the legal issues inherent are understood before you "friend" or "unfriend" people on Facebook and other electronic platforms.  

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