(A) For the purpose of this subchapter, the following definition applies unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
SOCIAL MEDIA. The creation and exchange of information amongst individuals through internet-based applications. This includes, but is not limited to, information in the form of text, pictures, links to other sites, or any other type of communication posted to the approved SOCIAL MEDIA SITE. Examples of SOCIAL MEDIA include X, Facebook, Linkedin, YouTube, and the like.
(B) The establishment and use by an town department, division, or employee of an official town social media site is subject to approval by the Town Council. Once a site is requested and established by the town, the Town Clerk-Treasurer shall be the site administrator of said site unless he or she designates another member of the town. It is the responsibility of the Town Clerk-Treasurer to monitor and assure that the established site is abiding to all guidelines outlined in this policy.
(C) Before a social media site is established, any person to do so must meet with the Town Council to review this policy. The social media account credentials must be submitted to the Town Council upon creation and any time credentials may change.
(D) The town shall be the sole owner of all social media accounts and reserves the right to remove any postings which contain inappropriate content including, but not limited to:
(1) That which promotes, fosters, or perpetuates discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender, physical and mental disability, sexual orientation, religion, age, family status, military status, or source of income;
(2) Defamatory or personal attacks;
(3) Information that may tend to compromise the safety or security of the public or public systems;
(4) Conduct in violation of any federal, state, or local law, rule, or regulation; and
(5) Encouragement of illegal activity.
(E) Any content that is deemed to not be in the best interests of the town will be removed.
(F) Any town employee who is not a site administrator and would like specific content posted to the town’s social media site(s) shall submit his or her request to the Town Clerk-Treasurer.
(G) If a site administrator receives a request requiring a response from the town, the site administrator may direct the request to the Town Council President.
(H) Content posted by a member of the public to any town social media site shall not reflect the opinions or policies of the town.
(I) The town reserves the right to deny access to any individual who violates the town’s social media policy without prior notice.
(J) Political endorsements and for-profit advertisements or products for sale shall not be posted. It shall be understood that the town’s social media sites are not maintained 24/7, and immediate responses to any requests via post, email, and the like may not occur.
(K) When a town employee posts or responds to content, in his or her capacity as a town employee, the employee should do so in the name of the town, and the employee shall not share personal information about himself or herself, or other town employees except as required for town business.
(L) It shall be understood that any official town X account will not automatically “follow” people who follow us. The town reserves the right to reply or decline to reply to any/all comments posted to the X account(s).
(M) All social media accounts are deemed public records under the Indiana General Laws. All content posted shall adhere to the state public records retention policies. Any content that was posted and then removed shall also be retained by the site administrator as per state retention policy. Any content maintained in a social media format that is related to town business, including a list of subscribers, posted communication, and communication submitted for posting, may be a public record subject to public disclosure.
(N) Failure to comply with this policy may lead to violations of law and disciplinary action where appropriate.
(Ord. 2017-12, passed 12-11-2017; Ord. 2024-5, passed 9-10-2024)