For all the thousands of accredited athletes, officials and the media, the Asian Games comes with a 'handle with care' tag as far as social media is concerned.
The Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) issued stringent "social media guidelines" for all accredited participants of the Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang between August 14 and September 2.
"Accredited participants cannot post any video and/or audio of the events, competitions or any other activities", says one of the norms. However, it has been clarified that video and audio, taken outside the Games venues would not be subject to any restriction.
Photographs, subject to competition and security regulations, can be posted for "personal use only". It is also categorically mentioned that "postings, blogs and tweets must not contain any commercial, political, or religious views and must not disparage or defame any participants or accredited persons, or any country or region, participating in the Games".
The Asian Games Village and Hotels would be strictly beyond the coverage zone. "Video taken from within the residential area can only be for personal use and must not be uploaded to any websites or social media platforms, or otherwise broadcast under any circumstance’’.
The use of photos has been exempted from the rule, provided it is done in a "first person, diary type format only".
The OCA has stressed on its guidelines against brand promotions. It said, "accredited participants are not permitted to promote any brand, product or service within a posting, blog or tweet or otherwise, on any social media platforms or on any websites".
To ensure compliance with the guidelines, "the accreditations of any organisation or person at the Asian Games may be withdrawn without notice, at the discretion of the OCA."
IOA guidelines
The Indian Olympic Association (IOA), too, issued a circular to all the national sports federations containing the protocols to be followed during the Asian Games in Jakarta and Palembang.
The circular includes guidelines for using the ceremonial kit, travel kit, casual uniforms and sports kits, by the athletes and officials, during international travel, training, competitions, medal ceremonies and media interactions.
More importantly, the athletes will not be allowed to endorse or use "his/her name, image, voice, performance, signature and likeness, for commercial, advertising, marketing or promotional purposes of any other brand in the segment of banking, financial services, insurance, diary products, beverage container, sportswear, clothing, paints and lubricants", during the period of the Games.
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