Missouri Government Social Media Laws, Challenges, & Solutions
Social media provides exciting opportunities for Missouri state government entities. Government agencies and offices can strengthen community connections, give voice to the local experiences of citizens, and keep community members engaged and informed.
But with great power comes great responsibility. Since 1967, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) has provided the public the right to request access to records from federal agencies, including entities supported by local taxes and run by elected officials. And, since the FOIA lists electronic communications as public records, government social media accounts and their communications are considered public information and must be archived in case of a FOIA request.
Social Media Archiving Made Easy
Social Assurance for Government integrates auto-archiving into a robust social media content management platform for all social media activities—simplifying open records requests. Built-in search tools let you access the information you need right when you need it, while reporting features make downloading, exporting, and sharing social media content records quick and easy.
The Missouri Public Information Act
Missouri law reaffirms the FOIA by serving as a mechanism for citizens to inspect or copy government records. According to Missouri law, government social media communications and engagements are considered government records and are subject to open public records requirements, making an easy-to-use social media archival system essential for Missouri government offices and agencies.
The Solution
Social Assurance for Government is the smartest way to manage social media profiles for a single small office, city government accounts, and multiple interconnected pages and profiles. Missouri government social media coordinators, managers, and communications teams are already using Social Assurance for Government to create, schedule, moderate, publish, monitor and archive great social media—all in one place. The results?
- Stronger community connections and engagement
- A more informed and involved citizenry
- Peace of mind when it comes to FOIA requests
Social Media Policy Examples
Below are examples of social media policies government offices and agencies have implemented to keep their field teams, coordinators, communications teams, boards, and elected officials safe and within the law.
Lake Carmel Fire Department Social Media Policy
City of Philadelphia Social Media Policy
Montgomery County Public Schools Social Media Best Practices
Denver Parks and Recreation Public Engagement, Communication, and Notification Policy
