Author: Intern - Anahida Bhardwaj
The Department of Electronics and Information Technology released the ‘Framework and Guidelines for Use of Social Media for Government Organizations’ in February 2021. The main objective of the Framework is to encourage and enable government agencies to make proper use of social media platforms for communication with the general public. To fulfil this objective, the guidelines elaborate upon the platforms available for interaction, rules of engagement with the public and manner of interaction.
For the creation of a social media account, the Framework recommended that the same name be used for social media accounts across the spectrum. The maintenance of an official record of the IDs and passwords of these accounts is also suggested. To engage with the general public, the Framework proposes the usage of either an official account or the private accounts of government officials for posting official responses. However, it would have to be ascertained whether the response is in an official or personal capacity.
The responsiveness factor stipulated in the Framework indicates the frequency in which the content would be updated, the manner of posting the content and the turnaround time of responses. The scope of responses ought to be stated as far as possible. The Framework considers some factors which a government agency should keep in mind while developing a response policy- keeping the posts crisp and concise, the government official identifying themselves while not disclosing confidential information etc. The congruence between traditional media and social media has been reiterated throughout the Framework.
The Framework outlines the nature of content posted on the social media platforms. It was suggested that the content posted on the platforms be available in a myriad of Indian languages and not be limited to text itself. In the event that the content posted is not exclusively by the governmental agency, the content has to be moderated. The moderation policy should include points with respect to copyright infringement as well as rights to addition and deletion by the agency. Record management of the content is a relevant factor mentioned in the Framework.
Under the Framework, government agencies have to consider certain caveats while following the recommendations made, such as the creation and operation of the social media accounts in an official capacity, dedication of a speedy-response team and the adherence with the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Right to Information Act, 2005.
The Framework can be accessed at :
https://www.meity.gov.in/writereaddata/files/Approved%20Social%20Media%20Framework
%20and%20Guidelines%20_2_.pdf
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