1. Policy Purpose

The purpose of this Social Media and Public Communication Policy (“Policy”) is to provide clear guidelines for the responsible use of social media and all public communications that may directly or indirectly reflect upon [Company Name]. The Policy ensures that personal and professional conduct aligns with the Company’s values, legal obligations, and reputation standards in both digital and real-world interactions.

2. Scope

This Policy applies to:

• All employees, contractors, interns, and third-party representatives
• All public-facing communications, including media interviews, speaking engagements, blogs, and social platforms
• Social media usage during and outside of work hours that could impact the Company’s reputation

Platforms include, but are not limited to: LinkedIn, Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Reddit, YouTube, blogs, forums, and any online community or messaging service.

3. Key Principles

• Be professional, respectful, and transparent
• Protect confidential and proprietary information
• Do not misrepresent the Company or your role
• Uphold the Company’s image, values, and legal obligations
• Avoid behavior that could damage the Company’s reputation or employee trust

4. Official vs. Personal Use

4.1 Official Communication

Only authorized personnel may post or speak on behalf of [Company Name] through:

• Official company accounts
• Press releases
• Media interviews
• Public speaking engagements or webinars

All public statements, media queries, or corporate disclosures must be coordinated through [Marketing, Communications, or Legal Department].

4.2 Personal Accounts

Employees may reference their employment but must not:

• Imply Company endorsement
• Share confidential or internal business information
• Speak on sensitive or undisclosed business matters
• Use logos or branding without approval

When posting opinions or commentary that could be associated with [Company Name], employees must include disclaimers such as:

“Opinions expressed are my own and do not reflect the views of my employer.”

5. Acceptable and Prohibited Conduct

Acceptable Use:

• Sharing public company news or achievements with approval
• Engaging with professional communities in a respectful tone
• Networking or posting career development content
• Using social media during breaks for appropriate personal use

Prohibited Use:

• Posting defamatory, obscene, or discriminatory content
• Harassing, threatening, or bullying others online
• Sharing non-public information (financials, clients, internal operations)
• Making disparaging remarks about the Company, coworkers, clients, or competitors
• Using Company accounts for personal promotion or political activity
• Posting during working hours in a way that interferes with job responsibilities

6. Brand and Intellectual Property

Employees may not use [Company Name]’s branding—including logos, trademarks, slogans, or imagery—without written approval from [Marketing or Legal Department].

Content created on company time or using company resources is considered company property and may not be repurposed for personal gain without written consent.

7. Confidentiality and Privacy

Employees must not post or discuss:

• Internal strategy, financial results, or client information
• Personnel issues, HR investigations, or disciplinary actions
• Legal matters or regulatory activity
• Intellectual property or trade secrets

Violation of confidentiality obligations—even on personal platforms—may result in disciplinary or legal action.

8. Media and Public Inquiries

All requests from journalists, bloggers, influencers, or media outlets must be directed to the [Communications or PR Team]. Employees must not:

• Give interviews or statements without authorization
• Represent the Company at public events without approval
• Attempt to correct or respond to misinformation without guidance

Media training may be provided to individuals designated as company spokespersons.

9. Monitoring and Enforcement

[Company Name] reserves the right to monitor publicly accessible social media content and enforce compliance with this Policy. This includes:

• Investigating reported or observed violations
• Requesting removal of offending content
• Taking disciplinary action for breaches, including termination

Monitoring will be conducted in a lawful, proportionate, and nondiscriminatory manner.

10. Legal Considerations

All social media use must comply with:

• Copyright, intellectual property, and defamation laws
• Employment and harassment laws
• Data protection and privacy legislation (e.g., GDPR, CCPA)

Employees are personally liable for unlawful or unauthorized content posted under their name.

11. Training and Support

All employees will receive training on responsible digital conduct as part of onboarding and periodic refresher programs. Additional guidance is available through [HR / Legal / Communications team].

Questions or requests for clarification about this Policy should be directed to [insert contact].

12. Policy Review and Updates

This Policy is reviewed annually by [Legal / Communications / HR] or upon:

• Launch of new digital platforms
• Significant brand, legal, or structural changes
• Emerging risks in digital behavior or external reputation

Employees will be informed of updates and may be required to acknowledge revised versions.

13. Acknowledgment

I acknowledge that I have read and understood the Social Media and Public Communication Policy. I agree to conduct myself responsibly on all digital and public platforms and to uphold the reputation and confidentiality of [Company Name].

Employee Name: __________________________

Signature: ________________________________

Date: ______________________

Department: ____________________________