Comments

POLICY: 03.008
CALEA Standard(s): 2.6.6, 6.7.1

1. Policy
   1. Purpose - CRESA maintains official social media accounts to disseminate emergency information, preparedness tips, agency updates, and educational content. These platforms serve to support our mission and foster public education. Use of these accounts is subject to the following terms and conditions.  By accessing or interacting with our social media platforms, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this policy.
   2. Scope - This policy applies to public comments submitted in response to posts on CRESA social media platforms. Private or direct messages are not moderated under this policy, but may still be subject to public records laws.
   3. Limited Public Forum - CRESA’s social media accounts operate as limited public forums. Comments are encouraged so long as they remain civil, relevant, and compliant with this policy. CRESA reserves the right to restrict or remove content that does not adhere to the guidelines stated herein.
   4. Monitoring and Emergency Disclaimer - CRESA’s social media accounts are not continuously monitored. These platforms should not be used to report emergencies. In an emergency, call 911.  Comments made during emergent events may not receive a timely response and should not be considered official communication.
2. Procedures
   1. Comment Moderation: CRESA reserves the right to remove, hide or report comments that:
      1. Are not topically related to the post
      2. Contain personal attacks, harassment, or hate speech
      3. Include obscenity, profanity, or sexually explicit content
      4. Contain threats, incitement to violence, or illegal activity
      5. Promote false or misleading information that may compromise public safety
      6. Contain confidential, sensitive, or personally identifiable information, including phone numbers, addresses, or medical data. (CALEA 2.6.6.g)
      7. Violate intellectual property rights or legal ownership interests
      8. Contain spam, repetitive content, or irrelevant links
      9. Contain political endorsements or opposition to campaigns or ballot measures
      10. Solicit commercial services, products, or donations unless officially sponsored by CRESA or its partners
      11. Appear to compromise the security of the public or public systems
      12. CRESA may block or ban users who repeatedly or egregiously violate these guidelines.
          1. All removed content will be retained for a minimum of three years, including the date, time, and, when available, the username and platform used, in accordance with the statute limitations under 42 USC 1983 for First Amendment claims of.
          2. Links and Third-Party Content: Links to external websites or social media accounts not posted by CRESA or official partner agencies may be removed. CRESA is not responsible for the content, accuracy, or availability of external websites linked from our social media pages. Once you follow a link to another site, you are subject to that site’s policies.
          3. Equal Access: Whenever possible, CRESA will ensure information shared on social media is also available via the agency website to ensure access by those who do not use social media platforms. Sites requiring login or subscription will not be used as the sole location for public information or feedback.
          4. Public Records Notice (CALEA 6.7.1) All content posted to CRESA social media accounts, including comments, replies, messages, and user information such as follower lists, may be considered public records under the Washington State Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) and may be subject to public disclosure. Records will be preserved in compliance with applicable records retention schedules.  Public records requests must be directed to the CRESA Public Records Department cresa@cresa.wa.gov.
          5. Retention and Archiving (CALEA 6.7.1) Content determined to be a public record will be archived and allows for production in response to lawful requests. CRESA’s Public Records Officer, in conjunction with Information Technology, is responsible for maintaining social media records in accordance with state law.
          6. Security and Account Governance: All official CRESA social media accounts shall be approved and registered with CRESA’s Public Information Officer. Administrative access shall be limited to designated personnel, and account credentials shall be protected in accordance with internal IT policies. Unauthorized use or misrepresentation of CRESA accounts is strictly prohibited.
3. Contact: For questions regarding this policy or concerns about comment moderation, please contact CRESA Public Information Officer at pio@cresa.wa.gov.