Social Media: Responsible for users actions?

Google Case in Italy Has Serious Implications for the Web

This article explains the case in which Google executives are being held responsible for a video posted on GoogleVideo that depicted a group of kids bullying an autistic child

Should these executives be held accountable for postings made on their site? Should Mark Zuckerberg creator of facebook, be held accountable for any facebook stalking that may lead to real like stalking? No! Blaming a company or its executives for the actions of other people that they have had no previous contact with, seems absolutely absurd. Punishing owners for someone else’s content does not make the situation right, nor does it do anything to fix the situation. The article states that the four Google executives “ did not appear in it, film it, upload it or review it. None of them know the people involved or were even aware of the video's existence until after it was removed." If this is the case, then how could they possibly be at fault? Obviously, social media sites cannot control everything posted on their sites. And even though some of them use filters and have certain restrictions, it would be absolutely impossible to review every facebook status, and every video uploaded.

On one hand of this issue, users are fully responsible for their own actions, but on the other hand, site owners should monitor whatever information is uploaded or placed on their sites. But obviously, like I stated before, it would be impossible to monitor each and every post. Just as with any large website that embraces social networking tactics, there is no way to stop the movement or check on it. So executives (especially high ranking ones whose job description does not include filtering content) should not be held responsible.

So, what do you think,
Should Social Media Be Held Accountable for User Actions?

After reading the pew study about digital footprints and all the possible dangers that come from leaving a “dirty” footprint so to speak, I found it interesting that google has now decided to expand its search to include social networking information. In an attempt to “get more social” google will now allow people to search for their friends or family members through their search engine. By creating a google profile and linking your friends and family to your blog, twitter, or facebook page, you will now have access to them every time you search for something. While some may find this new tool useful, I find it a little silly. Personally, when I search for something whether it be travel information or research for a paper, I don’t want to be bombarded with my social circles most recent blog postings or new pictures. However, this may not be the case for everyone and this tool will allow google to become an even more connected search engine.

Google Searches Get More Social