Social Media and Web Management

Federal legislative drivers include the E-Government Act of 2002, the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) of 1998, and the Privacy Act of 1974. Web privacy compliance is intended to improve efficiency in information flow while maintaining the highest level of individual privacy.

The E-Gov Act stipulates multiple privacy requirements for Federal agencies, including mandates designed to protect information where website interfaces are used. In particular, the E-Gov Act requires all agencies to have internal human- and machine-readable privacy policies posted on agency websites used by the public. In addition, agencies with websites directed at children under the age of 13 must take steps to ensure to the greatest extent possible, that they have received consent from parents/guardians as required by COPPA. Finally, agencies must ensure that any information solicited from members of the public via websites is done so in accordance with the Privacy Act.

All official uses of social and new media must be approved by program or office management in consultation with the appropriate communications office. The decision to use a social networking tool must be based on a strategic communications plan. It must address the resources necessary to manage and maintain the public engagement as well as any privacy or security risk to the agency and individuals.

NIH websites and social networking skills must comply with the NIH Policy referenced in the Social Media and Web Management links section on the bottom right side of this page.

To check departmental requirements for the use of social and new media, visit the Digital Communications Division (DCD). The website discusses requirements for approval, access and IT security, licensing, copyright, branding, accessibility, soliciting information from the public, protecting the public's privacy, use of cookies, recordkeeping, comment moderation, etc.

To determine if a federally-friendly Terms of Service (TOS) agreement has been negotiated by GSA, visit the HHS Center for New Media TOS website.

Section 508 Resources and Checklists