Copyright Issues in Social Media (Memo)

9 December 2020

To:          The University community

From:     Ma. Teresa D Villanueva
               Director, UMCO             

For all of us involved in education, the COVID 19 pandemic has upended the learning and wellbeing of our students, teachers, and their families. It has been a difficult period with our teaching and learning environments shifting online.  In light of this global health challenge, social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube have become tools most often used to share knowledge and connect with members of the Ateneo de Manila community. For the past 9 months, the University’s Facebook and YouTube channels have truly become valuable resources at our disposal. As such, we must maintain safe and ethical use of these social media platforms. It is vital to be aware of Facebook and YouTube copyright rules and policies.

In simple terms, post only original content/ material. If you are going to use someone else’s content, make sure to obtain permission/license. On the other hand, works in the public domain are not covered in the copyright and thus, do not need to ask for permission. Fair use of copyrighted work for classrooms, scholarships, research, and educational purposes also falls as non-infringement of intellectual property.

To help us avoid copyright strike (which, after getting 3 strikes, may result in channel suspension and termination] and ensure that the University complies with Facebook and YouTube policies, UMCO reserves the right to review, prohibit, or delete any content/ material before posting on the University’s social media channels [whether it is live streamed or uploaded post-event].

During these challenging times, digital tools like Facebook and YouTube have become lifelines in connecting and engaging with our students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and other members of the Ateneo de Manila community.  We ask that we all act with tact and comply not just with University policies but those of social media platforms, as well.

For in-depth information about copyright issues, visit

• https://web.facebook.com/help/337995452911154?rdrhc
• https://www.youtube.com/howyoutubeworks/policies/copyright/#fair-use

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email us at mktgcomm@ateneo.edu.