09-26-2012 Council Agenda - Laserfiche WebLink

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The web contains a permanent record of mistakes, so attempting to disguise a mistake likely will make things worse. To help prevent errors, official communications should be fact- checked before being posted in social media. Potential errors could create city issues ranging from minor to significant, and some may create unforeseen liability issues. For example, posting to Pacebook the wrong opening date for enrollment in a parks and recreation program likely will create confusion, inconvenience and even frustration among residents who try to enroll their kids in a program too early and essentially end up wasting their time, or who find a program full because they tried to enroll their kids too late for a program. It's unlikely this type of mistake would create city liability. But posting incorrect information about a new city ordinance related to land use zoning stands a greater chance of creating liability if someone acts based upon that incorrect information, and later is penalized for the action they took based upon the incorrect information officially posted by the city. • Mind the law, existing city policies and guidelines. Do not upload, post, transmit or make available content you know to be false, misleading or fraudulent. All statements should be true and not misleading. Do not post photos that infringe on trademark, copyright or patent rights of others. • Non- public and confidential information such as information related to coworkers, personnel data, medical information, claims or lawsuits against the city should never be shared. Posting such information could create liability issues for the city and the person posting the information. Do not post content that violates existing city policies, that exhibits hate, bias, discrimination, pornography, libelous or otherwise defamatory content. Only post content that is suitable for readers and viewers of all ages. Do not post content that a reasonable citizen may not consider to maintain the dignity and decorum appropriate for government. Do not post information that affiliates the city with or advocates for a political party or candidate running for council. Do not post any photo or video without permission of each person in the photo or video. Do not post the name of any individual without permission from that person. • Posting to third -party sites. Only post to third -party sites when it is relevant to the city. • Contact by media. Employees who are contacted by the media should follow city media relations /communications protocols. What about city staff who use social media for personal reasons? City staff without official social media responsibilities likely use social media to keep in touch with friends, family, colleagues and groups with mutual interests. As part of their personal use of social media, it's not Page 7 of 12 63