Use Of Social Media In Dispute Proceedings

Copyright 2011, Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP

Originally published in Blakes Bulletin on Intellectual Property – Social Media Series, July 2011

Whether one "tweets," "friends" or otherwise communicates on any of the many social networking websites available for personal or business communications, you should realize that what is said, posted or received may be used in the course of court or arbitral proceedings.

Social networking is now an integral part of our communication tool box and has greatly facilitated the exchange of information. However, it has also expanded the scope of accountability in a way that paper trails seldom do. Depending upon the importance of the issues or money at stake, these are trails that litigation will inevitably explore and expose.