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Section 1:  Purpose.

Social media is a tool used by the City of Carmel (“City”) to keep its residents and the general public informed as to matters impacting the City. This Social Media Policy (“Policy”) establishes procedures for the appropriate use of social media on City Social Media Accounts. The City has a legitimate and overriding interest and expectation in protecting the integrity of the information posted on its Social Media Sites and the content that is attributed to the City, and its officials.

Section 2:  Applicability.

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This Policy applies to all City Boards, Commissions and Departments. This policy allows designated employees of the City the ability to post information on Social Media Sites and allow commentary from the public.

Section 3:  Rules for Use of Social Media.

Section 3: Definitions.
“Social Media Platforms” shall be defined as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, among other Social Media Sites.
“Social Media Account” shall be defined as an established account by the City on a Social Media Platform. 
“Social Media Content” shall be defined as posting of information that includes but is not limited to pictures, video and text.

Section 4:  Definitions.

4.1 The official City website (https://www.carmel.in.gov) is the City’s primary internet presence. Accounts on Social Media Platforms enhance this presence as a means of distributing information quickly and as a method to promote, engage, celebrate and support community wide efforts. When possible, Social Media Content should not be exclusive to any Social Media Platform and should also be available on the City’s primary website. Social Media Accounts should contain links directing users to the City’s official website and this Policy.

4.2 Except for accounts on Social Media Platforms existing prior to the approval of this Policy, no City Board, Commission or Department shall establish an account on a Social Media Platform without first discussing the matter with the City’s Director of Marketing and Communications. The preference of the City is to limit the number of accounts on  Social Media Platforms to avoid public confusion. Any Department maintaining an account on a Social Media Platform will be responsible for the content and maintenance of the same. Each Department shall designate one (or more) employee who may post information and maintain the account.  

4.3 The content of any Social Media Account, including material posted by the City or communications received from the public, may be a public record as defined under the Indiana Public Records Act. All Social Media Content must be appropriately archived.

4.4 All accounts on Social Media Platforms are to be maintained in a professional manner, reflecting the City’s values at all times. The City’s Director of Marketing and Communications or his/her designee shall monitor content on all accounts on Social Media Platforms to ensure adherence to this Policy. The City of Carmel reserves the right to remove comments that contain the following:

• Comments that are not topically related to the particular posting being commented upon and/or are factually inaccurate.
• Any personal information, except for the names of employees whose job duties include being available for contact by the public.
• Promotes, fosters, or perpetuates discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, national origin, physical or mental disability or sexual orientation.
• Sexual content or links to sexual content.
• Is threatening, harassing or discriminatory.
• Incites or promotes violence or illegal activities.
• Obscenity, profane language or material that appeals to the prurient interest.
• Contains information that reasonably could compromise individual or public safety.
• Advertises, solicits or promotes a commercial product or service, or any entity or individual.
• Promotes or endorses political campaigns or candidates.
• Defamatory or contains personal attacks.
• Conduct in violation of any federal, state or local law and encouragement of illegal activity.

4.5 The City reserves the right to restrict or remove any content that is deemed in violation of this Policy or any applicable law. Any comment posted by a member of the public on any account is the opinion of the commentator or poster only, and publication of a comment does not imply endorsement of, or agreement by the City, nor do such comments necessarily reflect the opinions or policies of the City.

4.6 A dedicated individual, per department, will maintain a list of the Department’s accounts on Social Media Platforms, including login and password information. All such information shall be provided to the City’s Director of Marketing and Communications.  

4.7 Accounts shall be consistent with City branding and shall clearly indicate they are maintained by the specific City Department.

4.8 The City’s Director of Marketing and Communications or his/her designee is designated to be responsive to constituents who communicate via a Social Media Account; however, social media is not considered the City’s primary method of communicating with the public. 
 
4.9 City accounts and Content shall comply with usage rules and regulations required by the Social Media Site.

4.10 City accounts shall comply with the City’s conflict of interest code and applicable ethics rules and policies.

4.11 Social Media Content must abide by laws governing copyright and fair use of copyrighted material owned by others. Social Media Content should never include whole articles or publications without first receiving written permission from the publication owner. Social Media Content should never quote an excerpt of someone else’s work without acknowledging the source, and, if possible, provide a link to the original.

4.12 Any information provided on a Social Media Account is perceived as an official City communication.