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RCMP urge users to be responsible when posting online

Aug 28, 2018 | 9:54 AM

Think before you post.

It’s a pretty general idea when talking about social media, but is sometimes overlooked in the heat of the moment. With social media being such a new and ever-changing form of communication, sometimes the idea is lost, and people believe they are invincible behind a keyboard or a touchscreen on their phone.

BattlefordsNOW recently spoke with Battlefords RCMP Sgt. Neil Tremblay on the possible repercussions behind social media posts, especially when it comes to possible threats against a person, their property, or their character. Sgt. Tremblay reminds everyone that social media can sometimes land you in hot water. 

“If the threats are specific towards either harming someone or damaging their property,” he said. “That can be the same as threatening someone in person. There are criminal charges that could be laid.”

In the world of Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, there are many different avenues people can use to make threats against a specific person, or their family, or their property. Sgt. Tremblay says that people need to be mindful of this when posting anything online. 

“Even if the threats or postings aren’t specific in terms of making a threat to someone, there’s still civil liability they have to understand if they’re posting things that aren’t true,” he said. “And if they are proven to be damaging to a person’s reputation – either professionally or personally – the people making these postings not only will be facing criminal matters, but they could be facing civil liabilities. People have to understand they may think they have some anonymity, but they can face repercussions if they’re making threats or if they’re harming someone’s reputation.”

Sgt. Tremblay says that people understand the difference between a basic conversation and a threat. Pressing charges isn’t always the answer. The police are here to help and Sgt. Tremblay explains that even if it’s just advice, the police are there to look out for your best interests.

“Every situation is different,” he said. “Certainly everyone knows what a threat to do harm is when they hear it. Some are a little more grey. I’d always suggest if they have any concerns, contacting their local police to get some feedback on that is never going to be a bad idea. Even if the threats aren’t specific enough in order for a criminal matter to proceed, it still constitutes issues of harassment.”

“We can also give people other avenues that they may want to consider civilly,” he said, “If somebody feels like they’re being attacked or harassed online, getting in touch with their local police early, it can sometimes help alleviate future problems. It can also help us build a case over time if it is going to be an ongoing problem.”

Tremblay said people need to understand that there is always a way to track, capture and share online posts, regardless of basic privacy or secrecy settings on the internet, especially on forum-based engines or general social media sites. Sgt. Tremblay wants to reiterate that to users, especially when it comes to damaging one’s reputation or property.

“Closed or secret groups, there may be some implied situations where you may think you’re involved in a private conversation, you need to know that in a social media context that there’s an ability for people to copy your conversations or the messages you’re writing and resubmitting them in a different format,” he said. “There is a potential that you could be held responsible for that. You have to be careful with the kind of things you’re saying, especially when promoting some type of violence or some type of damage to someone’s property.”

If people have questions on social media practices, or have issues with the way they’re being treated online, the police are here to inform and help on not just physical threats or aspects, but also cyber aspects as well. A call will help monitor situations and in the ever-changing world of social media, protect everyone’s best interests.

 

brady.lang@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @BradyLangCJNB