Comptroller of Maryland

Comptroller of Maryland Social Media Policy and Guidelines
May 2014

A. Policy Statement

The Comptroller of Maryland communicates and connects through many different social media websites and platforms. The agency has implemented a Social Media Policy, Guidelines and Consent to Use Information. All communications from Comptroller of Maryland and on Comptroller of Maryland-branded platforms within social media websites must follow these guidelines to create a productive and engaging dialogue. The Comptroller of Maryland encourages dialogue from all Marylanders about the tax filing process, agency policies and initiatives, as well as about other relevant topics including, but not limited to the importance of financial literacy, shop Maryland programs and initiatives.

These guidelines pertain to Comptroller of Maryland--branded platforms within certain social media websites. The term “Comptroller of Maryland-branded platforms” encompasses those branded as “Comptroller of Maryland”. Such platforms include, but are not limited to:

Facebook: ComptrollerofMaryland
Twitter: MDComptroller
YouTube: Comptroller of Maryland
Vimeo: Comptroller of Maryland
Flickr: MD Comptroller

B. Guidelines

By using Comptroller of Maryland or Comptroller of Maryland-branded platforms within social media websites, you agree that the information you post may be repurposed for certain uses by Comptroller of Maryland, as further explained below. As a condition of use, you also agree with the following statements:

The Comptroller of Maryland does not control, own, or operate any social media websites.
The Comptroller of Maryland-branded social media platforms are not monitored 24 hours per day, seven days a week.
The Comptroller of Maryland will respond to relevant comments, when, in Comptroller of Maryland’s sole judgment, a response is appropriate.
The Comptroller of Maryland expects that participants on branded social media platforms treat each other with respect and, as a participant, you agree to do so.
All discussions should focus on topics related to Comptroller of Maryland. The agency reserves the right to remove off-topic comments. Therefore, as a participant, you agree to focus your comments on topics related to Comptroller of Maryland.
All comments should contribute to the dialogue and any claims should be supported with links to sources whenever possible. As a participant, you agree to do so.
The Comptroller of Maryland does not accept promotional posts, including advertisements for commercial or business transaction and/or recruitment of any kind. As a participant, you agree to avoid such posts.
The Comptroller of Maryland does not accept vulgar or abusive language, personal attacks of any kind, or offensive terms targeting individuals or groups. As a participant, you agree to avoid such language, attacks and terms.
The Comptroller of Maryland does not endorse, support, verify or agree with comments, messages, opinions, or any type of content and/or statements posted by third-parties to Comptroller of Maryland-branded social media platforms.
The Comptroller of Maryland is not responsible for protecting any information posted on Comptroller of Maryland -branded platforms within social media sites.
The Comptroller of Maryland reserves the right to moderate and/or delete comments if they:

Appear to be spam or trolling the page.
Promote services or products.
Promote or advertise a commercial or business transaction.
Incite, promote or encourage criminal activities.
Are clearly off-topic.
Are offensive comments that target or disparage any ethnic, racial or religious group.
Compromise the security, safety or health of the public.
Contain pornography, solicitation, defamatory or sexually explicit material.
Engage in vulgar or abusive language, personal attacks of any kind, or offensive terms targeting individuals or groups.
Endorse or oppose political parties, candidates, or groups.
Violate copyright and fair use laws.
Contain personally identifiable financial information including, but not limited to, Social Security Numbers, home/business addresses or phone numbers.
The Comptroller of Maryland reserves the right to delete any comment, and/or ban any user, at any time and for any reason, including, without limitation, those who are repeat offenders of violating this policy.

The Comptroller of Maryland reserves the right to modify or change these guidelines without notice.

C. Consent to Use of Information

By using Comptroller of Maryland -branded platforms within social media websites, you agree that any comments or other information you post publicly may be repurposed for use by the Comptroller of Maryland. For example, The Comptroller of Maryland may use such comments, without limitation, to repurpose and share throughout the different Comptroller of Maryland social platforms. If the agency decides to use your content across our social media platforms, we will not include any personally identifiable information such as your name, age, likeness or other personally identifying characteristics without your express permission. The Comptroller of Maryland will notify you via social media if we plan to use any content (comments, photos, videos, etc.) you have shared on our social media platforms.

If you have comments or other questions that are not answered here, please contact us. The Comptroller of Maryland looks forward to hosting and engaging in a productive dialogue with all Marylanders on Comptroller of Maryland -branded social media websites.