Social Media

This social media policy stipulates the guidelines for all official social media accounts maintained by Waseda University’s Office of Information and Public Relations (hereafter PR Office).
Social media accounts operated by other university departments are separate to those maintained by the PR office and may have operational policies that differ from this policy.

1. Definition of social media

This policy defines social media as a form of media in which an unspecified number of users can communicate using the internet and/or other technology.

2. Information about accounts operated by the PR Office

3. The goal of the PR Office’s social media use

As part of the dissemination of information and public relations activities, and in coordination with official websites established by Waseda University, these social media accounts distribute related news, information, and notifications. Through the dissemination of information to a wide community of users, including stakeholders inside and outside of the university as well as the local community, the goal is to further understanding of the University’s initiatives, increase interest, and promote healthy communication. 

4. Social media accounts’ operation policies

A) Content of posts

1. The PR Office, in principle, will post information relating to Waseda University. In the operation of said accounts, the PR Office will also adhere to laws, social standards, and official regulations set forth by Waseda University.

B) Shares, reposts, likes, follows, etc.

1. The PR Office will share, repost, like, follow, etc. based on the discretion of the Office.

C) Replies and comments

1. In general, the PR Office does not reply to or comment on users’ posts or other communications.
2. Please direct any questions about the University’s posts made by to the PR Office’s.
3. The PR Office will, without consent, hide or delete comments, block individual users, or take other necessary action if said user’s comments, posts, etc. are deemed inappropriate by the PR Office.
   *Acts (posts and other forms of communication) deemed inappropriate:
4. Any act taken towards students, faculty members, children, individuals associated with the University, or third parties, that results in damages, damages reputation or trust, is slander or libel, or infringes on copyright, trademarks, or any other rights.
5. Disclosing, leaking, identifying, etc. personal information without the consent of the individual or any act that violates the Act on the Protection of Personal Information or related regulations set forth by the University, as well as any act that infringes on the privacy of third parties.
6. Any act related to commercial solicitations, political activities, religious activities, or election related activities.
7. Acts that harm the credibility or reputation of the University, such as violating social standards, etc., or have a risk of harming the credibility or reputation of the University.
8. Any illegal activities or acts that are related or may be related to illegal activities.
9. Acts that violate laws, ordinances, or other statutes, or that risk violating laws, ordinances, or other statutes.
10. Acts that discriminate or promote discrimination regarding race, ethnicity, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or political beliefs, etc.
11. Other acts deemed inappropriate by the University.

5. Intellectual property rights, etc.

A) Intellectual property, such as images, illustrations, audio, video, and text, published on the above social media accounts are attributed to the University or the rightful owner of said intellectual property.

B) The copyrights, etc. of posted and comments, etc. made by individual users belong to those users; however, in posting to the above social media accounts, the user consents to the unremunerated and non-exclusive use of the contents (including editing, copying, translation, etc.) by the University, and agrees that they will not exercise any copyright or moral right against the University.

6. Disclaimers

A) Waseda University does not guarantee the accuracy and integrity of information on its official social media accounts.

B) Waseda University is not responsible for disputes or troubles that arise between users or third parties in connection to comments or interactions on the above social media accounts.

C) Waseda University is not liable for any damages incurred from the use of or inability to use social media.

7. Other

A) This policy will be published on Waseda University’s official website.

B) Waseda University’s Office of Information and Public Relations has jurisdiction over this policy.

C) For official University announcements, information is available via the official website and through press releases. (https://www.waseda.jp/top/en/)

D) This policy is subject to change without notice.

E) Regarding the use of social media by students, professors, faculty, etc. that belong to this University, please reference the “Guidelines for Preventing Troubles in the Use of Social Media and Emails” found on the Waseda Univeristy Harassment Prevention Committee’s website. (https://www.waseda.jp/inst/harassment/en/about/guidelines-for-preventing-troubles-in-the-use-of-social-media-and-emails)