2017-03-08 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Personal Social Media Use The City of respects employees and agents' rights to post and maintain personal websites, blogs and social media pages and to use and enjoy social media on their own personal devices during non -work hours. The City requires employees and agents to act in a prudent manner with regard to website and internet postings that reference the City of 'its personnel, its operation or its property. Employees and agents and others affiliated with the City may not use a city brand, logo or other city identifiers on their personal sites, nor post information that purports to be the position of the City without prior authorization. City employees and agents are discouraged from identifying themselves as city employees when responding to or commenting on blogs with personal opinions or views. If an employee chooses to identify him or herself as a City of employee, and posts a statement on a matter related to City business, a disclaimer similar to the following must be used: "These are my own opinions and do not represent those of the City." Occasional access to personal social media websites during work hours is permitted, but employees and agents must adhere to the guidelines outlined in the City's Computer Use policy and the City's Respectful Workplace policy. Employees and agents should also review the Ownership section of this policy (below). There may be times when personal use of social media (even if it is off-duty or using the employee's own equipment) may spill over into the workplace and become the basis for employee coaching or discipline. Examples of situations where this might occur include: • Friendships, dating or romance between co-workers • Cyber -bullying, stalking or harassment • Release of confidential or private data; if there are questions about what constitute confidential or private data, contact • Unlawful activities • Misuse of city -owned social media • Inappropriate use of the city's name, logo or the employee's position or title • Using city -owned equipment or city -time for extensive personal social media use Each situation will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis because the laws in this area are complex. If you have any questions about what types of activities might result in discipline, please discuss the type of usage with [your supervisor, the HR manager, the City Administrator or another position you may name]. Data Ownership All social media communications or messages composed, sent, or received on city equipment in an official capacity are the property of the City and will be subject to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. This law classifies certain information as available to the public upon request. The City of also maintains the sole property rights to any image, video or audio captured while a City employee is representing the City in any capacity. League of Minnesota Cities Computer and Network Loss Control 2/24/2016 44