Laws Bloggers Should Know

Starting a blog has to be the easiest thing to do, otherwise, people wouldn't start one every split second. As a web designer, I've always been aware of certain rules in regards to setting up and running a website. Things like hotlinking, cybersquatting, deep linking, trademark infringement, copyright law, and legal use of images are just some of the pitfalls designers avoid at all costs. But with the recent influx of blogs, these rules seem to be overlooked, and people don't even think twice about breaking any of them. The truth is most folks don't even know they're playing with fire anytime they "borrow" images or text for their own blog, or when they don't disclose that they're getting paid to promote or review a product.

The guys over at Aviva Directory put together a list of "12 Important U.S. Laws Every Blogger Needs to Know" to keep you out of trouble. While the mood in the blogosphere is still one were anything goes, the reality is you're still liable for everything that gets posted on your blog, regardless of what the blogosphere thinks. Every bloggers should read this list full of tips, detailed explanations of the law, and resources written in plain English.

For example, did you know that deep linking (linking to a particular page, instead of a home page) if not done correctly, could be considered a copyright violation? Other topics covered include your duty to monitor comments on your blog, tax issues, spam laws, user-generated content, and the handling of your reader's private data. While the Internet is a wonderful place to exercise your freedom of speech, it's also a hotbed for legal issues so protect yourself by knowing the rules.

You can read all the tips over at Aviva Directory.

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