Websites are available for the whole world to see, so it’s important that the policies and procedures set forth in this chapter are followed. Some of the most critical requirements are listed in this section.

S​ee Prohibited Practices and General Security and Email Policies​.

Websites must be owned and controlled by the location. An individual may not personally maintain anything that can be regarded as owned, sponsored, endorsed, or supported by the parish, school, or any related or affiliated ministry. Locations must be able to control the content posted on their own websites as noted in the Acceptable Use and Responsibility Policy for Electr​onic Communications (Archdiocesan AUP)​. Only the person in charge at a Location has the authority to establish any website affiliated with that Location and should designate one or more individuals to monitor and manage content. Petitioning a web hosting service to take down a site that does not belong to the Location is an exercise in futility; generally, only a court order will suffice.

Don’t publish any identifying information about any minors without the written consent of the parents/guardians; see the Parent/Guardian Release for Student or Minor (Noncommercial) (English version and Spanish version​).

Don’t publish any identifying information about any adult without that person’s written consent. See the Adult Release (Noncommercial)​.

Don’t post pictures of anyone without first getting that person’s permission. If an event is being photographed, make sure that a sign that is at least 8.5" x 11" in size is posted in a visible location at public events, disclosing that pictures may be posted on the Internet. See the Disc​losure ​Notice Sample.

If you collect any personal information from website visitors, you must post a privacy policy that explains what you do with the information collected. See the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Privacy Policy​​​​ and General Privacy Policy (sample)​.

Assume that all content accessible via the Internet, including emails, is private property. The use of any content created by another person (photos, videos, words, designs, or music) requires the express permission of its creator. Certain limited exceptions are given for educational and liturgical purposes. Significant financial penalties may ensue for copyright violations. Don’t copy trademarked logos or icons without permission. And once you have permission, be sure to credit the source. See the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Copyright and Video Screening Policy.

Make every effort to validate information and sources before posting content. Ensure that what you post conforms to Catholic teaching and values (see Catholic Identity and Relig​ious Education). And be familiar with and follow the Electronic Com​munications, Copyright, and Acceptable Use Policies.

Consult with the Office of Financial Services or Office of the Legal Counsel​ BEFORE using the website for fundraising purposes. Strict regulations apply to charitable fundraising and conducting financial transactions on the Internet. Certain activities such as crowdsourcing, online sales or auctions, online advertising and similar services may raise registration, licensing, sales/use tax or unrelated business income tax issues (see Taxes and Other Government-Required Reporting​).

If your website allows interaction through forums or social media (e.g., Twitter or Facebook®), you must create and post terms of use. See the Terms of Use for Websites​​.