MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Would you risk losing your job over a Facebook post? It could happen to Memphis city employees if they violate the city's policy on social media.
The policy outlines what's acceptable and what is not. It forbids city workers from using city logos online without permission. Also forbidden without permission are pictures of co-workers or city property.
City employees cannot post anything negative about the city, city employees, or the people they serve. Obscene jokes, profanity, or references to illegal activity are banned as well.
Memphis follows in the footsteps of Horn Lake, Mississippi. The social media policy there went into effect in December 2010.
Horn Lake asks city workers not to mention clients, co-workers, citizens, or city vendors without their approval. They cannot use profanity, insults or engage in any conduct that wouldn't be acceptable in the workplace. Their policy also asks city workers to make it clear that they are speaking for themselves, not on behalf of the city.
The policy says these rules are not to restrict information, but to reduce any risk the city could face because of what employees post online. And, it says employees are free to publish their own personal information without the city interfering.
