IWA Code of Ethics for Webcasting Professionals

Preamble

The International Webcasting Association recognizes that professional conduct is essential to maintaining public trust and advancing the webcasting industry. This Code of Ethics establishes principles and standards that guide IWA members in their professional activities. All members agree to uphold these principles as a condition of membership and certification.

The code applies to all professional activities undertaken by members, including client work, employment responsibilities, volunteer contributions, and participation in IWA programs. Violations may result in disciplinary action as described in the bylaws and enforced by the Ethics Committee.

Principle 1: Professional Integrity

Members shall conduct themselves with honesty and integrity in all professional dealings. This includes providing accurate representations of qualifications, delivering truthful information to clients and employers, and acknowledging limitations in expertise when appropriate. Members shall not misrepresent their credentials, certifications, or affiliations.

Members shall avoid conflicts of interest and disclose any potential conflicts to affected parties. When conflicts cannot be avoided, members shall take appropriate steps to ensure that their professional judgment is not compromised and that all parties are treated fairly.

Principle 2: Technical Excellence

Members shall strive for excellence in all technical work, adhering to IWA standards and industry best practices. This includes maintaining current knowledge of webcasting technologies, continuously improving professional skills, and applying appropriate diligence to all technical tasks.

Members shall not knowingly approve or implement solutions that fail to meet applicable standards or that could result in harm to audiences, clients, or the public. When quality concerns arise, members shall raise them through appropriate channels and work toward resolution.

Principle 3: Accessibility and Inclusion

Members shall support accessibility in webcasting by implementing accessibility standards and advocating for inclusive practices. This includes providing appropriate accommodations for viewers with disabilities, designing interfaces that work for diverse users, and considering accessibility throughout the production process.

Members shall treat all colleagues, clients, and audience members with respect regardless of background, identity, or ability. The webcasting profession serves diverse global audiences, and members shall ensure their work reflects this commitment to inclusion.

Principle 4: Confidentiality and Privacy

Members shall respect the confidentiality of proprietary information entrusted to them by clients, employers, and colleagues. This includes technical specifications, business strategies, audience data, and other sensitive information. Members shall not disclose confidential information without proper authorization.

Members shall protect the privacy of individuals whose data they handle in the course of webcasting activities. This includes implementing appropriate security measures, complying with applicable privacy regulations, and limiting data collection to what is necessary for legitimate purposes.

Principle 5: Fair Competition

Members shall compete fairly in the marketplace, basing their success on the quality of their work rather than on unfair practices. This includes providing accurate information about services, respecting intellectual property rights, and refraining from disparaging competitors through false or misleading statements.

Members shall not engage in practices that undermine the profession or harm the reputation of webcasting services. This includes avoiding unrealistic guarantees, maintaining appropriate pricing practices, and delivering on commitments made to clients and audiences.

Principle 6: Professional Development

Members shall commit to ongoing professional development to maintain and enhance their competence. This includes pursuing educational opportunities, staying current with technological advances, and sharing knowledge with colleagues and the broader webcasting community.

Members shall support the professional development of others, including mentoring junior professionals, contributing to educational resources, and participating in working groups that advance industry knowledge.

Principle 7: Community Contribution

Members shall contribute to the advancement of the webcasting profession through participation in IWA programs and support for industry initiatives. This may include volunteering, contributing to standards development, speaking at events, and mentoring other professionals.

Members shall support the integrity of IWA certifications and standards by providing honest feedback, reporting violations, and maintaining the value of credentials through exemplary professional conduct.

Enforcement

The Ethics Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for interpreting this code and addressing alleged violations. Members may report concerns through confidential channels established by the committee. The committee investigates complaints, provides due process for accused members, and recommends appropriate actions to the board.

Possible sanctions for ethics violations include warning, mandatory education, suspension of membership or certification, and permanent revocation of membership. The severity of sanctions reflects the nature and impact of violations and the member's responsiveness to corrective measures.

Commitment

By joining IWA and maintaining membership, professionals affirm their commitment to this Code of Ethics. Certified professionals agree to additional ethical obligations as specified in certification requirements. This code represents our collective commitment to professionalism and excellence in webcasting.