YARMOUTH – Yarmouth Selectmen have approved a social media policy that is crafted for town employees.
The policy outlines how the employees should use social media at work and outside of work.
The social media policy draft 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.
“I just feel that the more information you share, the more you open yourself up to comment, and the nicest, kindest post by any department is an opportunity for somebody to bash,” said Selectman Erik Tolley.
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.
If social media is work-related, town officials ask that employees engage in conversations with Yarmouth residents and provide the town with meaningful feedback.
“I think it’s completely appropriate to differentiate when people work weird hours, but when you’re on work time it’s considered work hours,” said Selectmen Chair Tracy Post.
Town employees will now begin to lay out a social media presence for the town, which will include Twitter, Facebook and Instagram accounts.
By JUSTIN SAUNDERS, CapeCod.com Newscenter
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