Public servants’ use of personal social media: Support for employees

Support for employees

In some instances, evaluating risks may be complex or challenging. You are encouraged to discuss with your manager, your organization’s values and ethics office (Senior officials for public service values and ethics (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)), or your designated senior official for conflict of interest (Departmental officers for conflict of interest and post-employment measures (accessible only on the Government of Canada network)).

Organizations should ensure that managers are prepared to assist employees in evaluating risks thoughtfully and appropriately. Additionally, employees should recognize the importance of discussing uncertain situations and feel comfortable doing so.

Employees generally should not be routinely monitoring other employees’ public social media activity and must always respect employees’ rights to privacy and freedom of expression.

However, a post may be brought to a manager’s attention through any number of ways:

• raised in a media query
• comment from a member of the public
• seen and reported by a colleague
• highlighted on social media
• shared on a professional network page

If you are unsure if you should take any action, you can discuss it with your manager, your organizational values and ethics office, or your Ombud.

The Canada School of Public Service offers a variety of learning opportunities that may help you, for example:

• (For professional use) Navigating Social Media as a Public Servant (TRN125)
• Outsmarting Social Engineering (DDN2-A29) - CSPS (DDN2-A29)
• Untangling Misinformation and Disinformation (TRN506)

Together, we can foster a positive online environment that balances our rights as individuals and our collective responsibilities as public servants.

This document will be updated periodically. Send comments or suggestions regarding this guidance to Integrity-integrite@tbs-sct.gc.ca.