A document issued in the volunteer-only Games Maker section of the London 2012 website last week laid out rules for using social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter during the Olympics.
According to volunteering network i-volunteer, the guidelines say volunteers cannot share any specific information about their role, beyond the fact that they are volunteering. According to the website, this includes not disclosing their location, any breaking news about athletes, posting any "backstage" pictures or video or discussing the Games online in any unofficial groups or forums.
Locog declined to comment on the reports and told Event it couldn’t confirm or deny what was in the document.
It said: "We understand that many of our Games Makers will want to use social media to share their exciting experiences at London 2012 with their friends and family. As is standard in most organisations, we have provided some practical guidelines to give basic advice on interacting in a social media environment with the aim of protecting the interests of our workforce and operation."
The public Locog Games Time Volunteer Policy states volunteers can comment online in "general terms" with statements like "I’m excited to start my role as a Games Maker today". It continues: "We ask that you please avoid mentioning any more specific details of your role and the operations within your venue. You should also not contribute to any groups or other tools that relate to your experience at London 2012, with the exception of the official spaces to do this provided by London 2012."
A user of the official London 2012 Facebook page commented that the rules were "mild censorship" and another said: "Dying to blog about getting chosen so will read the guidelines and see whether I can!"
One volunteer, who declined to be named, told Event: "I think these guidelines may be seen as too punitive on those who have given up a lot of their own time to contribute to the success of the Games, by not allowing them the freedom to tweet or blog about what’s going on. I shall certainly be using social media as a tool during the Games, however obviously the publication of the guidelines does make you think twice about exactly what the consequences might be."
With regards to policing the guidelines, a Locog spokesperson said: "This document is not aimed at trying to police people or lay out what will happen to people. It is merely guidance for Games Makers about using social media."
To leave a comment and let us know your thoughts.