Councillors are being reminded that posts on popular digital platforms are subject to publishing laws, even if Big Tech refuses to be held accountable.
The Local Government Association has updated its guidance on social media for elected members. This applies to when councillors are sharing updates in their professional capacity.
Among other things, the document advises on legal considerations, including defamation and libel, reputational damage and personal safety. Authorities a choose to implement the recommendations, which would sit alongside the Members’ Code of Conduct.
‘Where this guidance is adopted locally, a failure to follow it may, depending on the circumstances, amount to a breach of the Code of Conduct. Where it is not adopted, it remains advisory only,’ a spokesperson for the LGA said.
‘The guidance first reminds councillors that they are personally responsible for what they post online, and that “the same legal standards apply online as offline,’ they continued. ‘Expressing a preliminary view is not unlawful in itself. However, councillors must be able to demonstrate that they approached the formal decision-making process with an open mind and were genuinely prepared to consider all relevant evidence.’
As a starting point, councillors have been told to:
*Review privacy and tagging settings on any platform they hold an account with
*Avoid posting any personal information, including addresses, phone numbers and daily details
*Be wary of sharing information that suggests they are not currently living at home
*Report abusive and inappropriate behaviour, including threats, to the social media company, the council and police
*Inform monitoring officers and community safety teams about any concerns
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