- Respect for the privacy rights of employees working offline. The information that citizens have when they interact offline should be respected.
- Ensuring transparency of information policy. By taking steps to ensure that consumers can easily and quickly understand how this company uses their information and protect them from harm, companies can provide users with clear means of ownership and self-determination about what is shared about them and what is not, as well as what strengthens consumer relationships.
Basic rules of netiquette
Poor netiquette can have serious consequences for your reputation or interpersonal relationships. So remember – the rules of etiquette are just as important online as they are in real life. Follow these few rules of netiquette to ensure a seamless virtual experience.
Be careful about what you type
One of the basic rules of netiquette is to think before writing something. This includes using people's names correctly, avoiding negative remarks just because we can't see the person reading them, and using the right emojis. Don't get too sloppy online. Depending on your audience, you need to keep your tone in mind. So before you write or use emojis, think twice. Also, proofread your emails and online content to avoid spelling and grammar mistakes. This is perhaps the most important rule of netiquette.
Behave as you would in the real world
When communicating online, never ignore another person's messages or close the chat suddenly. This is one of the golden rules of netiquette. Now that most of us are working from home, following the basic rules of netiquette is more important than ever. Prepare for online discussions and look presentable. Working online means you're not judged by your appearance, but that's no reason to look sloppy in meetings.
Respect the privacy of others
Another important netiquette rule for online etiquette is to value the privacy of others. Obtaining confidential information comes with responsibility. Forwarding a message or image can be very tempting and easy, but you should never compromise the privacy of your friend, colleague, or company. Never divulge confidential information in cyberspace without permission. And share information only with those who are concerned.
Avoid plagiarism
One of the biggest dangers of being in cyberspace is copyright infringement. This is a rule of netiquette for students, professionals, and anyone who uses the internet. Do not use someone else's words, images or information without permission and a link to the source. Copying and pasting is easy when browsing the web, especially when you have access to so much information. Take it a step further and specify the source.
Explore
Whether you're working online or hosting workplace meetings, make sure you have evidence of the facts you're sharing. The internet is full of misleading information, and it is your responsibility to verify the validity of what you share. Sharing sources of information is a good practice in this regard. In most cases, people will take your word for it, so you may be guilty of spreading incorrect information. And if someone finds out that your facts are wrong, you will lose face and credibility.
Think twice before posting photos
One of the basic rules of netiquette states that you should avoid posting or sharing non-professional photos with friends or colleagues. The same rule applies to those who have access to the company's social media platforms. Posting unprofessional or inappropriate photos can put people or a company in a bad light.
Always use your professional email address for official communication
If you work from home, send work emails using your official email address. If you don't have an official email, use a personal email that sounds professional. You won't be taken seriously if your email has credentials like "cute girl" or "handsome." This will leave a bad impression of you in front of the recipient of the mail.
Use a signature block in official mails
Never forget to add a signature block at the end of the official communication. It should contain details such as company name, contact details, name, and department. If you don't use these rules of netiquette, it can be a major source of conflict and miscommunication in online conversations.
Use humor and sarcasm when appropriate
Humor, which largely depends on facial expressions, is often lost in written conversation. But you can show wit and not seem offensive. Use humor once you've gotten to know the recipient a little bit and know they'll appreciate it. However, if you're not sure about it, it's best to maintain a formal tone.
Always report abusive content and illegal activities
The cyber world is full of abusive language, bullying, harassment, and theft. You may even encounter illegal activities or practices such as piracy. Report these behaviors immediately, whether it happens to you or someone else. If it is workplace-related, please report it to the HR department.
The ethical rules of online communication dictate what stylish and respectful behavior on the Internet should be. How to speak politely without engaging in disrespect or bullying is one of the main reasons we need netiquette rules.