The Village of Tilton (Village) recognizes that social media platforms have become mainstream forms of communication. Using this technology, the Village has additional avenues by which to share news releases, inform the public of projects, initiatives, general Village services information, and highlight events and positive media coverage. The Village believes that the use of social media platforms can effectively broaden the reach of government communication to its constituents and foster a dynamic environment for social discourse. The use of social media by the Village is to convey or obtain information that is useful to, or will further the goals of, the Village.
[HISTORY: Adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Tilton 9-19-2025 by Ord. No. O2025-0918. Amendments noted where applicable.]
A designated administrator, or administrators, will be responsible for maintenance and supervision of each social media platform of the Village. Each administrator will be knowledgeable regarding the terms of the Social Media Use Policy, regarding other responsibilities to review content to ensure it is in compliance with the policy and in furtherance of the Village's goals.
The Village's social media accounts are limited public forums. The Village does not make its social media accounts available for general public discourse, but rather reserves and limits the topics that may be discussed on social media accounts.
A.
Social media platforms not only provide the government with a communications venue but often allow for public comment to be posted to the Village's sites. Any comment made by a member of the public as a social media user is that user's opinion only. Publication of the comment does not imply endorsement or agreement by the government nor reflect the opinions or policies of the government.
B.
The following enumerated list of content may not be permitted on the Village's social media platforms and such content is subject to removal and/or restriction by the administrator. Content that:
(1)
Is unrelated to the purpose and topical scope of the Village's roles and responsibilities;
(2)
Promotes, fosters or perpetuates discrimination;
(3)
Violates a legal ownership interest (such as a copyright or trademark);
(4)
Is defamatory, threatening or profane language;
(5)
Includes personally identifiable information, such as a social security number, address, phone number or other sensitive information;
(6)
Violates any federal, state or local law or encourages illegal activity;
(7)
Is obscene, sexual or pornographic in content and/or language;
(8)
Is conduct or encouragement of illegal activity;
(9)
Is information that may interfere with or compromise current investigations, police tactics, and the safety or security of public safety staff and/or the public or public systems;
(10)
Promotes or solicits commercial activities not related to government business;
(11)
Promotes or advertises in favor of, or in opposition to, a political campaign, ballot measure, or candidate;
(12)
Is spam or links to malware/viruses; or
(13)
Discloses confidential government information, sensitive information or personal information relating to government officials and employees, or members of the public.
C.
Each particular private social media enterprise maintains a "terms of use" agreement. All comments posted to any Village social media platform are bound by those terms of use agreements and the Village reserves the right to report any user violation to the respective enterprise.
D.
The Village reserves the right to remove content from, or deny access to, any government social media platforms if any individual or organization violates the Social Media Use Policy.
All Village social media platforms shall adhere to applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations and policies. Content posted on any Village social media platform by any user is subject to the Freedom of Information Act,[1] record retention laws and may be subject to e-discovery laws. Property that is protected by copyright or trademark should not be posted or maintained on a social media platform in violation of the owner's legal interest.
Village social media accounts are not monitored 24/7, and as such, posts and responses should not be immediately expected. Accounts are traditionally monitored as staff resources permit during regular business hours of the Village.
If the Village's official social media accounts follow other social media accounts to contribute to the understanding of community needs or interests, the Village is not responsible for the truth or accuracy of posts on such other accounts or to information contained in any link that is used in posts.
A.
The Village recognizes that social media creates opportunities for community engagement, interpersonal connection and self-expression, but it also creates risks and responsibilities. Everyone should assume that any use of social media — whether on a business or personal account — could be viewed by a colleague, supervisor, partner, supplier or member of the public. If any social media activity of an employee of the government adversely affects the employee's job performance, the performance of fellow employees, or otherwise adversely affects the goals of the government, an employee of the government may be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination.
B.
Disclosure of confidential government information, sensitive information or personal information relating to government officials and employees, or members of the public, is prohibited.
C.
It is requested that employees who identify themselves as employees of the Village post a disclaimer on their own personal social media platforms that any posts or blogs are solely the opinion of the employee and not the employer.
D.
Personal use of social media in the workplace may be allowed within reasonable time limits so long as it does not adversely impact the government employee's job performance.
E.
Employees of the Village have no expectation of privacy when using the internet on employer equipment or during hours of employment.
Employees are required to sign a written acknowledgement that they have received, read and understand this policy, and submit that acknowledgement to the designated administrator. The form that follows below will sufficiently satisfy this requirement upon receipt.
Employee Acknowledgment of Social Media Use Policy |
I confirm that I have received, read and understand the "Social Media Use Policy" for employees of the Village of Tilton. I understand that as an employee, it is my responsibility to abide by this policy. |
If I have questions about the policy, I understand it is my responsibility to seek clarification from the proper supervisory department and/or designated authority. |
Print Name: |
Employee Signature: |
Date: |