A views expressed disclaimer is an essential disclaimer that informs readers that the opinions and thoughts expressed on a platform reflect only the author’s views and not the business itself.
This article explains what a views expressed disclaimer is, when to use one, how to create one, and includes real-world examples.
Examples of Views Expressed Disclaimers
Views expressed disclaimers help clarify that the opinions shared by contributors, employees, guests, or content creators are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of an organization, employer, or affiliated entity.
General Views Expressed Disclaimer Example
The views and opinions expressed by contributors, authors, guests, or users are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or opinions of [Company Name].
Any content provided by individuals is intended for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as representing the views of [Company Name] or its affiliates.
Real-World Views Expressed Examples
Below are real-world examples of how views expressed disclaimers may be used across different types of content.
Views Expressed Video Disclaimer
For websites that post videos or content featuring others’ opinions, Harvard Medical School’s views expressed disclaimer is a good example to follow.
Their disclaimer, shown in the screenshot below, clearly distinguishes between the content creator’s opinions and the school’s.
In the above example, Harvard uses a views expressed disclaimer along with others, such as a no responsibility disclaimer, to provide readers with comprehensive information.
The disclaimer clearly distinguishes the author’s views from those of the institution, helping readers understand who is responsible for the opinions expressed.
Views Expressed Program Disclaimer
CNBC’s views expressed disclaimer for their program Futures Now is an excellent example for websites that post news-related content or other similar materials.
As shown in the screenshot below, their program uses a generic “the views expressed in this program…” disclaimer, informing the audience that the participants’ opinions differ from those of CNBC or its affiliates.
It’s thorough but easy to read, a balance you should try to achieve.
Another excellent example of a views expressed disclaimer appears in Dr. David Puder’s Psychiatry and Psychotherapy podcast, as shown in the screenshot below.
The disclaimer covers Dr. Puder and his guests and clearly states that the opinions are solely their own.
It also includes a medical advice disclaimer, which informs listeners that what’s discussed on the podcast shouldn’t be taken as medical advice.
To best protect yourself from liabilities, combine as many relevant disclaimers as needed in the same section of your website.
Views Expressed Disclaimer FAQs
Below are answers to some of the most common questions about views expressed disclaimers, including who needs them, where to post them, and what they should include.
How Can You Make a Views Expressed Disclaimer?
To make a views expressed disclaimer, use a generator or a template, or write one yourself.
Generate a Free Customized Disclaimer Using Termly
Here’s how to use Termly’s generator to create a disclaimer tailored to your needs.
1. Go to Termly’s disclaimer generator.
2. Answer a few simple prompts and questions, and go through all the steps until you reach “Final Details.”
3. Once you’ve filled in everything and are satisfied with the preview, click “Publish.”
You will then be prompted to create a Termly account to save and further edit your legal disclaimer.
Template
You can make a views expressed disclaimer by modifying our free disclaimer template.
Fill in the blank sections with information about your website, remove any unnecessary details, and include the relevant information to disclaim that the opinions on your site only represent those of the original author.
You can then choose how to download and post it to your site.
Write Your Own Disclaimer
You can write a views expressed disclaimer for your company by following these steps:
- Clearly state that the views expressed in the content belong to the content creators and not the organization, its affiliates, or employees.
- Create a 1-2 sentence opinion disclaimer to include in guest/opinion content.
- Provide a link to your detailed disclaimer page.
Most companies that allow guest content have a separate page for disclaimers, which often include more than just their views expressed disclaimer.
However, a simple one-line statement such as “views expressed are my own” should be sufficient for individuals, especially for social media posts and profiles.
What Is a Views Expressed Disclaimer?
A views expressed disclaimer, also known as an opinion disclaimer, explains that the opinions expressed in any content are solely the author’s and don’t reflect the opinions or beliefs of the website and its affiliates.
Views expressed disclaimers commonly appear on podcasts, YouTube videos, blogs, news publications, and social media profiles.
Individuals can also use an opinion disclaimer when posting on different platforms to distance their opinions from those of their employer or any other organization.
For example, someone who works at a well-known company can have a short “all opinions are my own” in their LinkedIn bio.
Other Names for a Views Expressed Disclaimer
Views expressed disclaimers go by a few other common names, including the following:
- Opinions expressed disclaimer
- Expressed views disclaimer
- “Opinions are my own” disclaimer
All of these disclaimers achieve the same purpose, and you can use any name you want so long as it’s clear to the reader what the disclosure is about.
When Do You Need a Views Expressed Disclaimer?
If you provide a platform for individuals to express their opinions or accept guest posts, editorial columns, or other forms of commentary, you need a views expressed disclaimer.
Social media is also tricky to navigate, so it’s advisable for professionals to include an opinion disclaimer to protect themselves and their organization from backlash across different platforms.
Using this disclaimer allows your company to post various opinions and host open discussions without being liable for what your users say or imply.
An opinion disclaimer statement can protect you from potential backlash and legal liability that may result from others sharing:
- False facts
- Errors
- Controversial opinions
- Opinions that are different from your own
Where Should You Post a Views Expressed Disclaimer?
Views expressed disclaimers should be displayed in multiple spots throughout your site, including the following:
- Guest posts or opinion article headers.
- Videos themselves or in the video description.
- Social media platform bio sections or user pages.
- Website footers.
- Dedicate disclaimer pages.
For individuals, views expressed disclaimers can be short and simple, and for companies, they should include a more comprehensive page of disclaimers.
Written by Hanna De La Garza
Hanna De La Garza is a privacy writer at Termly with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from the University of Florida. She creates engaging resources on data privacy, consent management, regulatory updates, and more.
Read all posts by Hanna De La Garza
Reviewed by Masha Komnenic CIPP/E, CIPM, CIPT, FIP
Masha Komnenic is a legal counsel and Termly’s Director of Global Privacy, who received her law degree from Belgrade University. She specializes in implementing, monitoring, and auditing business compliance with privacy regulations (HIPAA, PIPEDA, ePrivacy Directive, GDPR, CCPA, POPIA, LGPD).
Read all posts reviewed by Masha Komnenic CIPP/E, CIPM, CIPT, FIP
