IOC sets out social media guidelines for athletes

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has insisted it is keen to 'actively' encourage athletes to use social media after issuing guidelines for use during the London 2012 Games.

The IOC stated that Olympic competitors should "post, blog and tweet their experiences", but warned that if rules are broken it can withdraw accreditation, shut down online operations or even start legal proceedings. The IOC also stated athletes cannot use the platforms for commercial or advertising purposes or to share videos filmed at Olympic venues.

The Olympic governing body has drawn up the rules after violations during the Vancouver Winter Olympics, stating "unlike in Vancouver, where the rules were adapted to fit changed circumstances, the rules in force in London have been properly codified."

According to The Associated Press the IOC document added "Postings, blogs or tweets should be in a first-person, diary-type format and should not be in the role of a journalist.

"Participants and other accredited persons cannot post any video and/or audio of the events, competitions or any other activities which occur at Olympic venues."

The IOC added that posts, tweets and blogs should "be dignified and in good taste, and not contain vulgar or obscene words or images.

"Apart from that, we want people to share as much as possible their personal experience of the games." 

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