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Service members and Defense Department civilian employees should now have a clear understanding of what they can and cannot do with their official social media accounts. For the first time, the Pentagon’s public affairs office has issued a document that spells out in detail the guidelines that should be followed.
The guidelines recognize the necessity for sound official use of social media, “to amplify timely and relevant information about the national security, defense strategy, and appropriate unclassified work.”
Any use of social media platforms would be subject to oversight and review – and removal, if necessary – by the office of the assistant Defense secretary for public affairs. Pentagon leadership would have the authority to approve establishment of official presence among the individual service components.
The white paper emphasized the importance of social media to project an image of transparency and dissemination of accurate information, but cautions against its misuse.
“If social media is mismanaged or mishandled, the U.S. government’s reputation with the American public; relationship with interagency, international, State, local and tribal entities; military operations; and reputation for a high ethical and professional standard may be compromised,” the guidance stated.
Military and civilian personnel can establish personal accounts, but cannot use them to proffer official Defense Department communications. Any official postings must be accurate, appropriate, timely, delivered in an “appropriate tone,” and approved for public release.
All employees will have to sign a statement in which they agree to use their government social media accounts – on platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and Twitter, for instance – for official business only. The guidelines also would apply to any new social platforms that may emerge in the future.
Use of the official seals, logos, emblems and coats of arms of the Defense Department and individual services must be appropriate.
No one should use official social media to:
• Seek any public office or private gain, or promote any product, service or enterprise.
• Coerce or induce anyone to provide any benefit to themselves or their friends.
• Imply government endorsement of personal activities.
The policy also bars use of official accounts for dissemination of personal information. Likewise, personal accounts cannot be used to disseminate official government information.
Political activity is barred as well. So is speech that advocates hate, promotes violence or terrorism, or advocates the overthrow of the government. Collection of information about children is also prohibited.
Other provisions address organizational, individual and institutional accounts, those use for marketing and recruiting, records management, capturing social media, private or direct messages, and account transitions when accounts are due to end or expire.
The white paper also offers words of caution regarding cyber-vandalism, and fake or imposter accounts of service members and civilian employees.
Official users are cautioned to not use their accounts for personal business or accept compensation for any activity related to their jobs as well.
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