Think twice when you post blogs

KOCHI: Are you a government employee? Be alert when you post a blog or communicate through other social networking tools like micro blogs, blogs and video sharing sites and Wikis. An unnecessary post on the blog could invite trouble for you.Realising the potential and popularity of the social media, the Union Government has begun to take steps to educate its employees on the dos and don’ts of the media. As part of the effort, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has published ‘Framework and guidelines for use of social media for government organisations.’“The use and utility of social media for official purpose remain ambiguous. Many apprehensions remain, including issues related to authorisation to speak on behalf of department/agency, technologies and platform to use to communicate, scope of engagement, creating synergies between different channels of communication and compliance with existing legislation,” the recent guidelines say.Going through the need, popularity and other aspects of the medium, the guidelines speak about how should government employees express themselves while using the media. According to the guidelines, they should keep certain core values in mind. Always they should identify themselves including their role in the department.“Do not comment and respond unless authorised to do so especially in matters of subjudice. Comment on issues relevant to your area and make relevant and pertinent comments,” they say. Professionalism, open mind and compliance with rules and regulations are some values that they should keep. Finally about privacy. “Do not reveal any personal information about other individuals as well as do not publish your own private and personal details unless you wish for them to be made public.” Challenges while using social media like blogs, the platforms which can be used, how to use them, communication strategies, seeking feedback and generating awareness on national actions plans are some other important instructions for employees. There has to be a defined hierarchy not only of responses but also of queries. Also there should be congruence between responses posted on social media and those in traditional media. Keeping accountability and legal matters in mind is yet another important instruction towards government employees and organisations while using social media. With the last date for sending suggestions on these guidelines ended on September 30, it is expected that the Ministry would soon start steps to implement them with necessary modifications.