Educational institutions rely heavily on social media and various other online channels to attract prospective students globally. While these platforms provide exciting digital marketing opportunities, failure to comply with digital media laws can result in severe consequences, including penalties, restrictions, or even legal action. So, to help schools stay informed, here’s our guide on the main categories to be aware of.

Key areas of digital media law

These regulations do vary depending on where your educational institution is located, so remember to check the laws specific to your country. 

1. Data Protection and Privacy Law

This governs how personal data from students and applicants is collected, processed, and protected. Complying with these laws safeguards individuals’ privacy and prevents unauthorised access or misuse of any sensitive information.

2. Disability and Discrimination Law

Accessibility requirements ensure that digital platforms, such as websites and mobile apps, are usable by individuals with disabilities, accommodating audio, visual, motor, or other impairments.

3. Brand and Trademark Protection

This law protects your institution’s brand across various digital channels, including domain names, websites, online advertisements, and social media platforms. 

4. Intellectual Property Rights

When creating and sharing digital content, this regulation ensures copyrights, patents, and trademarks are respected. This includes properly licensing or attributing any third-party materials used in your marketing campaigns.

5. Contract and Distance-Selling Law

Particularly relevant for institutions offering online courses or distance learning programmes, this law protects buyers’ rights, such as the right to information, privacy, cancellation, returns, refunds, and fair treatment.

6. Online Advertising Law:

This covers a broad range of regulations, including truth in advertising, disclosure of sponsored content, targeting and discrimination, endorsements and testimonials, and regulatory compliance in general.

Regularly staying up to date and ensuring your institution’s digital marketing efforts align with the latest legislation will not only protect your students and avoid any legal consequences, but also maintain trust and credibility with your target audience. Although navigating the legal side of digital media can be complex, these regulations ultimately create a more ethical digital environment for everyone.

Written by Stephanie Clark