Since social networking websites contain information that's available to the public and are designed to be viewed by more than one person, they are a form of publication.

In a release this week, Caledon OPP detachment warned that to publish means 'to communicate information to third parties knowing that the information will be read, seen or heard."

Once posted, the information belongs to the social networking site. All users of the site have previously read and accepted a user agreement before becoming a member of the site, and have agreed to a Code of Conduct. Users can be banned if found to be in conflict of the Code of Conduct or User Agreement.

"Facebook states that inappropriate content would include 'content that makes threats of any kind or that intimidates, harasses or bullies anyone,' " the release said.

"Users have stated that their messages on the Internet are a right under the freedom of speech. This is no longer the case as the number of civil actions is on the rise, instigated from posting on the Internet."

The detachment warned that any posting on social networking sites that are in direct contradiction to a court-ordered publication ban could result in the authors being held criminal responsible for defying that court order.

As well, any posting containing threats or cause intimidation or harass anyone could result in criminal charges against the authors, "especially if the postings directly jeopardize the safety of another person."

"All users, but particularly our youth, may not truly understand the extent to which they place themselves at risk when becoming involved in social networking sites such as Facebook and My Space. Their perceptions of parental, police and educators knowledge of the sites are naive. Many believe that the group sites or even their own personal profiles are viewed by only those they choose," the release said.

The detachment stressed the importance of all users of the Internet being aware of their roles "regarding information management liabilities and the effect of their activities and the effect that their decisions have on other people. "