1. Introduction

The Valais Blacknose Society (“the Society”) recognises that social media and digital communication platforms form an important part of members’ personal and professional lives. These include, but are not limited to, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, X (Twitter), WhatsApp, Messenger, websites, forums, and other online platforms.

This Policy applies to public, private, and closed online platforms, including closed social media groups and messaging services.

The Policy applies to all members of the Society when using social media or online platforms, including where members are participating in or administering online groups associated with Regional Club activities or affiliated Regional Clubs.

Members are reminded that the Society Rules apply equally to online conduct. This Policy operates in conjunction with, and in support of, the Society Rules and the Constitution.

 

  1. Personal Responsibility

Members remain personally responsible for any content they post, share, or comment on online.

When referencing the Society, members should make it clear that any views expressed are personal and do not represent the official position of the Society, unless authorised to do so.

Members must not:

  • Represent themselves as speaking on behalf of the Society without prior authorisation
  • Create accounts, pages, groups, or publications that imply official endorsement by the Society without permission

 

  1. Protection of the Society’s Reputation

Members must not post or share material which:

  • Is defamatory, abusive, threatening, discriminatory, or unlawful
  • Damages or is likely to damage the reputation of the Society, its members, former members, or the breed
  • Misrepresents pedigree status, registration status, or breeding information
  • Encourages conduct that would constitute a breach of the Society Rules or applicable legislation

Members remain free to express personal opinions; however, the manner in which those opinions are expressed must remain respectful and consistent with the Society Rules.

Members should avoid sharing speculation or unverified information relating to Society governance, policies, or decisions.

Constructive discussion and respectful disagreement are acceptable. Personal attacks, harassment, or reputational damage are not.

Members are encouraged to use the Society’s formal Dispute Resolution Procedure where appropriate, rather than pursuing disputes publicly through social media or other online platforms.

 

  1. Intellectual Property & Branding

Members must not:

  • Reproduce, adapt, use, or distribute the Society’s name, logo, branding, publications, Registry data, imagery, or official materials for commercial or promotional purposes without prior written consent.
  • Create logos, merchandise, promotional materials, or online content that could reasonably be mistaken for official Society communications.
  • Regional Clubs and Regional Club social media groups must comply with the Society’s branding requirements and may not represent themselves as the official voice of the Society unless expressly authorised.

Unauthorised use of the Society’s intellectual property may result in removal requests. Where such use involves a Society member, it may also be treated as a breach of the Society Rules.

The Society reserves the right to require the modification, clarification, or removal of online pages, groups, accounts, or content that use the Society’s name, branding, or identity in a manner that may reasonably cause confusion as to whether the page, group, or account represents an official Society communication.

 

  1. Confidentiality

Members must not publish, share, or distribute private correspondence, internal communications, draft documents, or confidential information originating from the Society without prior authorisation.

This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Council communications
  • Official email correspondence
  • Unpublished policy drafts
  • Member information
  • Any material clearly intended for internal circulation only

Official communications sent directly to members should not be reproduced or redistributed through social media or online platforms without permission. Members may remind others to check official communications issued by the Society.

Members must not publish, summarise, paraphrase, or otherwise disclose internal Society discussions, Council deliberations, governance matters, or confidential communications on social media or online platforms unless the information has been formally published by the Society.

Unauthorised disclosure of confidential Society communications may be treated as a breach of the Society Rules.

 

  1. Monitoring & Enforcement

The Society reserves the right to review publicly available content that references the Society.

Where a potential breach of this Policy is identified, the Society may:

  • Request removal or correction of content; and/or
  • Take action in accordance with Society Rules

Online conduct that breaches this Policy may be treated as a breach of the Society Rules and may result in disciplinary action in accordance with the Society’s governance procedures.

 

  1. Disclosure Under Law

The Society will comply with lawful requests from regulatory bodies or law enforcement authorities to provide information in connection with suspected unlawful activity.