Social Media Policy

The Social Media team manages the following accounts on behalf of FENS:

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/FENSorg
Twitter – https://twitter.com/FENSorg
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/federation-of-european-neuroscience-societies—fens/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/fens_org/

FENS posts follow the standards, practices and tone pre-established by social media users who are interested in access to information and related issues. We make an effort to ensure that our posts are inviting, instructive and sometimes entertaining.

Information Concerning

• FENS and related events in the field
• FENS Forum promotion
• Current events, news, interesting facts, quotes, videos or comments relating to Neuroscience, etc.

Where appropriate, FENS accounts may post comments containing links to websites not operated by the FENS Social Media Team. These links are provided solely for the convenience and interest of users. As is customary, FENS is not responsible for the accuracy, timeliness or reliability of the content on these sites. FENS offers no guarantees in this regard, and is not responsible for information contained on these links, nor does it endorse the sites and their content.

The retransmission of a tweet (Twitter) or use of the “share” function (Facebook) does not mean that FENS endorses the information. We may relay news, links and personal observations that we consider relevant to FENS social media participants.

The fact that FENS decides to follow a user does not mean that it supports that user, or their views. FENS follows accounts that FENS considers relevant to the field and that provide useful information that could be shared with FENS’ followers.

Similarly, FENS does not support all users who follow one of the FENS accounts. FENS will take steps to remove or block a follower if it is clear that the follower is a “robot” or is not respecting social media etiquette.

The retransmission of a post does not mean that FENS endorses the information. FENS may relay news, links and personal observations considered relevant to FENS social media participants.

Where appropriate, FENS accounts may post comments containing links to websites not operated by the FENS Social Media Team. These links are provided solely for the convenience and interest of users. As is customary, FENS is not responsible for the accuracy, timeliness or reliability of the content on these secondary sites. FENS offers no guarantees in this regard, and is not responsible for information contained in these links, nor does it endorse the sites and their content.

Comments and interaction are strongly encouraged on all FENS social medial channels. All wall posts (Facebook) as well as replies and direct messages (Twitter, LinkedIn page or Instagram) will be read on a daily basis by the FENS Communications Manager or alternatively, by members of the FENS administrative staff. Any emerging themes and helpful suggestions will be passed to the appropriate person at FENS (Office Manager or Executive Director). While FENS will not be able to respond individually to every message, messages will be treated on a case-by-case basis, and FENS will reply to them when considered appropriate.

If FENS think that a comment or a question requires a response or further clarification, FENS may make an official response and disseminate the information through its other channels, such as FENS website or other social media platforms.

Facebook users may use the “like” function on the FENS accounts. In doing so, they allow FENS posts and updates to appear on their news feed.

You must have a valid Facebook account to “like” the FENS accounts.

FENS welcomes comments through social media, and expects that social media interactions and conversations observe the general rules of a respectful civil discourse. Participants assume full responsibility for their comments, and all comments are in the public domain. Therefore, please be advised that comments should be relevant and courteous.

FENS does not tolerate discriminatory, offensive or abusive comments about an individual or organisation. FENS do not discriminate against any opinions, but also reserves itself the right to modify or refuse comments which are considered to be any of the following:

• racist, hateful, sexist, homophobic, defamatory, insulting or life-threatening;
• serious, unproven or inaccurate accusations against individuals or organisations;
• aggressive, coarse, violent, obscene or pornographic;
• personal attacks or defamatory statements;
• comments that encourage or suggest unlawful activity;
• messages not written by the sender (or the copyright holder, as appropriate);
• messages written in a language other than English (if this precludes FENS from determining the content of the post)
• comments not sent by the author or comments posted by anonymous or “robot” accounts;
• repetitive copy-and-paste comments by an individual or multiple users;
• messages that are unintelligible or unrelated to the topic;
• messages posted in capitals only (these are difficult to read and can convey the impression of shouting);
• messages too far off topic;
• any other message which, in the view of the FENS team, does not follow the normal flow of discussion.

Any individual who does not adhere to these terms of use may be excluded temporarily or permanently from the dialogue spaces. Users may also be reported to social media platforms if they do not adhere to the service provider’s terms of use.

Other Important Remarks

FENS is unable to respond to all comments posted; however, FENS will attempt to take part in discussions where possible and relevant.

The opinions of participants commenting on these pages do not necessarily reflect the opinions of FENS.

Users participate at their own risk, taking personal responsibility for their comments, username and the information shared. To protect their own privacy and that of others, users should not include any identifiable personal information in their comments.

FENS does not engage with comments concerning the work or professional activity of persons
employed by FENS.

The social media accounts of FENS are public. They represent our presence on the social media of third-party service providers. Users are encouraged to read the privacy policies of the social media platforms.

Information shared with FENS via social media is considered public. This means that the information users share through FENS social media accounts can be captured, stored, consulted and disclosed in response to a request.

To protect the users’ own privacy and that of others, FENS recommends that they do not include personal information in their comments or in the content posted. Personal information includes home addresses, telephone numbers, photographs containing images of identifiable individuals, and any other information consisting of personal information.

Certain FENS employees and officers have accounts on various social media platforms. Despite their professional affiliation with FENS, their posts do not represent the official position of FENS. They are to be considered instead as the personal views of private citizens.

Certain FENS employees have accounts on various social media. Despite their professional affiliation with FENS, their posts do not represent the official position of FENS. They are to be considered instead as the personal product of private citizens.

FENS has several means of connecting with you on social media. Utilise the FENS website as a tool for getting started and a resource: http://forum2022.fensforum.org

Official complaints should be addressed to the FENS Office (office@fens.org). Depending on the level of the complaint, the FENS Communications Manager will report it to the FENS Executive Director and, if relevant, to the Chair of the Communications Committee.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, please contact us through our social media accounts, or through this email address: office@fens.org.