YARMOUTH – Yarmouth town officials and selectmen met this week to discuss the town’s social media policy for employees.
In the document, the town states that there is no guarantee of privacy when using the Internet or social media sites both on or off duty and that all connections and sites visited will be monitored and recorded by the town.
Regulations of the policy say that users are prohibited from posting content in violation of Open Meeting Law, they must not reveal any confidential or privileged information about the town and are prohibited from using social media to engage in any activity that constitutes a conflict of interest.
“Social media is a very powerful tool, it is used highly effective in a lot of different venues and certainly I think as the population grows through it, it will become more powerful,” said Town Administrator Daniel Knapik.
If social media is work-related, town officials ask that employees engage in conversations with Yarmouth residents and provide the town with meaningful feedback.
When it comes to moderating the town’s social media sites, officials ask that employees identify themselves and if relevant, their role in their departments and to only speak when their commentary is based on the law governing the town.
The town also asks that its employees respect copyright law, handle negative comments appropriately and do not deny or affirm rumors.
“The town’s technology belongs to the town,” said Yarmouth IT Director Shawn MacInnes. “Because you have a desktop or an email address does not mean that, that is your private email address, that’s for town business and for doing town work.”
By JUSTIN SAUNDERS, CapeCod.com Newscenter
