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sites when addressing these issues. To date, most of the steps taken by companies
have focused on framing the terms of use that protect themselves from potential
legal liabilities. This strategy, however, puts the onus on the user and does not
provide a comprehensive solution. In fact, most users do not read the terms of use
when signing up to social media sites. Some terms may also require legal inter-
pretations; thus, users may have minimal awareness of the legal implications and
consequences of some actions. In addition to company-specific terms of use,
companies should have a broader framework that incorporates well-defined social,
ethical, and legal dimensions. For example, LinkedIn has demonstrated this step by
becoming a licensee of the TRUSTe Privacy Program, which is an independent
organization that enables individuals and organizations to establish trusting rela-
tionships by promoting the use of fair information practices. The company's
privacy policy outlines the type of personal information that is collected and how
it will be used. The user agreement also outlines the precautions users should take
so that the security of personal information is partly their responsibility. Other
professional networking sites should take similar steps to increase user awareness
and confidence in the areas of privacy and security.
1.6.5 The Digital Divide
The rapid growth of Web 2.0 technologies may expand the already existing gap in
access to or use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) between
the developing and the developed parts of the world. For those who have access to
social media, there is an immense promise of knowledge creation and knowledge
sharing. However, if the digital divide is not addressed in the first place, the social
disparity and the knowledge gap for those who do not have access will continue to
grow at an alarming rate. Therefore, ensuring access to technology for all and the
development of skills in its use should be the top priority of any economic initiative
in both local and global settings.
1.7 Conclusion
Online knowledge communities provide immense opportunities for knowledge shar-
ing among experts, as well as casual users. The benefits to be derived from a collec-
tive pool of shared knowledge are tremendous. This chapter discusses the ways in
which Web 2.0 technologies are used in four knowledge communities - namely
organizational, health care, research and software development - identifying the
potential opportunities, as well as challenges encountered by these communities.
Knowledge communities have transformed into another form of social media
due to recent advances in web technologies. To reiterate, Web 2.0 tools and techni-
ques support more effective collaboration and knowledge sharing. While the specific
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