Every business is advised to have a blog, but does this come with risks? Surprisingly, yes. A blog may mention a specific company, competitor, or include claims regarding results, and under the right conditions, could lead to a lawsuit. Companies that make promises about what they can achieve can be at high risk. What if the advice is taken, with no result, or a bad result? Business liability insurance covers the business against the risk of an accusation of false advertising.
Business Blogging and Liability
Blogs are among the most popular ways people get information, but a business blog comes with some risks. The types of issues that may arise related to a business blog include:- Claims of libel: If a blog mentions a competitor or a product, it can trigger a lawsuit by the named person or manufacturer who accused you of libel.
- Claims of invasion of privacy: Posting images is always a good idea, but you must ensure the person in the image approves the publication of an image.
- Securities fraud: A company that promotes themselves through a blog must be very careful with the words used, or may be subject to scrutiny and legal problems from the SEC.
- False advertising claims: If you promote your product, company, or services in a blog, and a consumer claims the blog presented false information or the product did not perform as described, you may be facing a false advertising claim.
- Defamation claims: A person mentioned in the blog may take offense to what is written and file a defamation lawsuit against you.