In today’s Quick Hits, we explore cyberbullying legislation, the importance of local search, and how to handle a reputation crisis on Twitter.

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Google Maps Integrates Search Suggestions

According to the Official Google Maps Blog, Google users will now see search suggestions in Google Maps based on a user’s location. The feature will roll out in a number of countries, including China, Brazil, Canada, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Netherlands, Russia, Spain, Taiwan, United States, and the United Kingdom. The integration of search suggestions into Google Maps clearly demonstrates how important it is for businesses to maintain a strong web presence.

McAfee Faces Reputation Crisis on Twitter

After pushing a faulty update to users, McAfee security is facing extreme criticism on Twitter and other social media websites. The update, which incapacitated thousands of computers running McAfee software, is a sore spot for McAfee, especially considering the company’s reputation as a leading security provider.

McAfee’s mistake, and the company’s delayed response to the resulting backlash, provides an important lesson for businesses. You should be prepared at any time to go online and manage negative feedback.

Louisiana Cyberbullying Legislation Moves Forward

The AP is reporting that cyberbullying legislation in Louisiana has been approved by the House Criminal Justice Committee and will be debated by the Louisiana House of Representatives in coming weeks. The legislation, which comes in response to a number of teen suicides related to cyberbullying in the last year, would make cyberbullying a misdemeanor crime with punishments ranging from a six-month prison sentence and $500 fine for a first conviction. Second and third convictions would face steeper punishments.

Why Brand Management Matters

In an article for Information Management, Blake Cahill of Visible Technologies discusses the shifting nature of the World Wide Web and why social media has made proactive brand reputation management a must for small, medium, and large businesses. Blake touches on the importance of employing strong monitoring tools and developing intelligent internal processes for dealing with web communications.