City of Geneva, Municipality

Social Media Policy

City of Geneva Social Media Policy for Use of City Social Media by the Public

Purpose: The City of Geneva understands that social networking, such as Facebook and Twitter, have become a common form of communication in the workplace and among residents, media outlets and other stakeholders. Social networks are online communities of people or organizations that share interests... and/or activities and use a wide variety of technology to make the interaction a rich and robust experience; while fostering openness and transparency. Using this technology, the City has the ability to publish news releases, highlight events, ordinances and positive media coverage as well as other information that supports the goals and mission of the City.

Definitions:

“Social media account” shall mean any of the City of Geneva’s accounts on online services that allow for interaction with City residents, including but not limited to: Twitter, Facebook, and so on.

A. Limited Public Forum. The City’s social media accounts are limited public forums. The City does not make its social media accounts available for general public discourse, but rather reserves and limits the topics that may be discussed on the social media accounts.

B. Content Restrictions. Because communication via social media constitutes a limited public forum, the City reserves the right to restrict or remove any content that is deemed in violation of this policy or any applicable law. Content that is deemed prohibited based on the criteria defined below, shall be retained pursuant to the records retention schedule along with a description of the reason the specific content was deleted. City social media account content and comments containing any of the following forms of content shall not be allowed for posting:

1. Slanderous, libelous, malicious, offensive, threatening, profane, uncivil, or insulting language. References to the personality of individuals or personal attacks will not be permitted.

2. Content that promotes, fosters, or perpetuates discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, national origin, physical or mental disability or sexual orientation.

3. Sexual content or links to sexual content.

4. Solicitations, advertisements, or promotions of any kind for individuals, businesses, nonprofits and organizations.

5. Personally identifiable information, such as an address, phone number, social security number or other sensitive information.

6. Comments cannot represent a person other than the one posting the comment.

7. Links to outside websites or other social media.

8. Political links.

9. Conduct or encouragement of illegal activity.

10. Information that may tend to compromise the safety or security of the public or public systems.

11. Content that violates a legal ownership interest of any other party.

C. Notice. Users and visitors to the City’s social media accounts shall be notified that the intended purpose of the site is to serve as a mechanism for communication of City news, services and events and that it is a limited public forum.