Govt issues guidelines to departments using social media websites

Govt issues guidelines to departments using social media websites

THE Government on Thursday issued guidelines for its departments using social media networks asking them not to post confidential information and "unverified" facts.
With 40 million facebook and 16 million twitter users in India, social media have emerged as a powerful platform for forming an opinion as well as generating mass support, the Information Technology Ministry said in its 38-page guidelines issued on Thursday.
"Not all posts/comments need to be responded 10 immediately and individually. Also, whereveraresponse is required all posts should be kept short and to the point." it said adding infringement of IPR and copyrights of others should be avoided.
The guidelines said while employees were free 10 post response in their personal capacity, "it is mandatory that while they are doing so. they must clearly identify themselves, confidential information must not be divuleed and should not be seen to represent 'official view' unless authorised to do so".
The Government s communication 10 citizens via social media should follow the same data retention policy as its communication through other electronic and nonelectronic channels.
"When anv information is shared or guidance given online, it is necessary to ensure that all relevant records are captured, trail is generated and records are managed appropriately." the guidelines stated.