The City’s social media policy was created in 2016. Periodic review of such policies is appropriate to ensure they continue to reflect any changes in the conditions and circumstances for which they were created.  One update needed to the policy is to add new social media platforms that have gained prominence in recent years. The policy also needs to address when the City is able to close comments in a discussion on a particular platform. The Community Relations Department and the City Attorney worked together to develop this new draft.

The new version specifies that the City’s social media accounts are a “limited public forum,” and the City is legally allowed to hide and/or delete comments that are not protected under the First Amendment.  It also expands and clarifies what is prohibited content – specifically phishing attempts, which were not as prevalent when the first policy was created. The new policy explicitly provides that staff may hide and/or delete this type of activity, including comments containing malware and/or malicious content that affects the normal functioning of a computer system, server, or browser; and duplicate comments posted repeatedly within a short period.
 
As with the former policy, this update specifies that the Community Relations Department is responsible for the development of the City’s social media strategy and oversight of the policies and procedures pertaining to the social media outlets used by the City. The Community Relations Department will establish social media sites when needed and distribute access to usernames, passwords, and instructions on how to access the different social media sites. Any department wishing to create a new social media outlet must first consult with the Community Relations Director. The Community Relations Director will approve all social media sites used by the City and serve as an administrator on each authorized City social media page. 

Should you have any questions, please contact the Community Relations Director or the City Attorney.