Chapter 1. Introduction—Guidance for the Official Use of Social Media
The Social Media Navigator is a Guide to GSA’s official use of social media, which augments the GSA Directive on Social Media Policy. The scope includes the use of social media technologies hosted outside of Federal Government servers, social media technologies hosted on internal Federal Government servers, and individual user’s responsibilities when accessing social media services in either environment in an official capacity.
1. Applicability
This Social Media Navigator is designed to guide GSA employees in their official use of social media. Employees are also highly encouraged to take GSA’s Social Media Awareness training at GSA’s On-Line University.
2. Background
GSA encourages the use of appropriate social media technologies to enhance communication, collaboration, and information exchange. GSA has signed agreements with social media providers, such as Flickr, Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo and blip.tv that make it possible for GSA employees to use external social media technologies for official use while meeting current legal requirements. This Guide is not a substitute for legal guidance, so employees engaged in social media activities on behalf of GSA are encouraged to contact the Office of General Counsel (OGC) at (202) 501-2200 when specific questions arise.
