How does Bft define 'Social Media'?
Bft Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
9.3 Social Media Activities. As used in this Agreement, the term "Social Media" is defined as a network of services, websites, and other electronic, virtual, or digital mediums, including, but not limited to, blogs, microblogs, and social networking sites, video-sharing and photo-sharing sites, customer review sites, marketplace sites, Wikis, chat rooms and virtual worlds, that allows participants to communicate online and form communities around shared interests and experiences.
While it can be a very effective tool for building brand awareness, it can also be devastating to a brand if used improperly.
Therefore, Franchisee must strictly follow the Social Media guidelines, code of conduct, and etiquette as set forth in the Learning Management System, which may require Franchisee to comply with Franchisor's then-current privacy policy.
Any use of Social Media by Franchisee pertaining to the Studio must be in good taste and not linked to controversial, unethical, immoral, illegal or inappropriate content.
Franchisor reserves the right to "occupy" any Social Media websites/pages and be the sole provider of information regarding the Studio on such websites/pages (e.g., a system-wide Facebook page).
At Franchisor's request, Franchisee will promptly modify or remove any online communication pertaining to the Studio that does not comply with this Agreement or the Learning Management System.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 79–265)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bft's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, Social Media is defined as a network of services, websites, and other electronic, virtual, or digital mediums. This includes, but is not limited to, blogs, microblogs, social networking sites, video-sharing and photo-sharing sites, customer review sites, marketplace sites, Wikis, chat rooms, and virtual worlds. The key characteristic of social media, according to Bft, is that it allows participants to communicate online and form communities around shared interests and experiences.
Bft recognizes the power of social media as a tool for building brand awareness, but also acknowledges the potential for damage if it is used improperly. Therefore, Bft franchisees must strictly adhere to the Social Media guidelines, code of conduct, and etiquette as outlined in the Learning Management System. This may include compliance with Bft's privacy policy. All social media activity pertaining to the Bft studio must be in good taste and not linked to controversial, unethical, immoral, illegal, or inappropriate content.
Bft retains the right to "occupy" any Social Media websites/pages and act as the sole provider of information regarding the studio on such platforms. At Bft's request, franchisees must promptly modify or remove any online communication related to the studio that does not comply with the Franchise Agreement or the Learning Management System. This indicates that Bft maintains significant control over the brand's online presence and reputation, and franchisees must be prepared to follow their directives in this area.