Social Media - User Guidelines
The Shire of Esperance encourages respectful discussion on its social media channels. These platforms provide the community with opportunities to receive information, ask questions, share feedback, and engage with the Shire on local matters.
To maintain a safe, respectful, and constructive online environment, we ask users to follow these rules.
Community Standards
When using the Shire of Esperance's social media pages, users must:
- treat others with courtesy and respect;
- remain relevant to the topic being discussed;
- respect the privacy of others;
- ensure information shared is lawful and accurate to the best of their knowledge; and
- follow the rules of the social media site.
Moderation of Content
The Shire reserves the right to hide, edit, disable comments, remove content, or block users if content:
- is abusive, threatening, harassing or discriminatory;
- contains obscene, offensive, defamatory, hateful, racist, sexist or otherwise inappropriate language, images or links;
- incites violence, unlawful activity or antisocial behaviour;
- promotes or encourages the use of alcohol, tobacco, vaping products, or illegal substances in an irresponsible manner;
- contains false, misleading or deceptive information;
- compromises the safety, security or wellbeing of individuals, property, or the broader community;
- infringes copyright, intellectual property rights or another person's privacy;
- discloses personal, confidential or sensitive information about any individual without their consent;
- is spam, repeat posts, trolling, commercial advertising, solicitation or endorsement of products, businesses or services;
- is irrelevant, intentionally disruptive, or repeatedly off-topic; or
- is otherwise considered inappropriate or inconsistent with the purpose of the page.
The Shire's decision about content is final.
Privacy and Personal Information
To protect your privacy, do not post personal information such as your address, email, phone number, financial details, or other sensitive information in public comments.
Information shared through the Shire's social media channels may be collected and used to:
- respond to enquiries and requests;
- provide information about Shire services, programs and activities;
- improve communications and community engagement practices; and
- meet legal and administrative obligations.
Personal information is managed in accordance with applicable legislation and the Shire of Esperance Privacy Policy.
Records Management
Content published on, or submitted to, the Shire's social media channels may constitute an official public record and may be retained and managed in accordance with the State Records Act 2000 (WA) and other applicable legal requirements. Users should be aware that comments and messages may be archived even if subsequently deleted from a social media platform.
Disclaimer
Comments made by members of the public on Shire social media channels do not necessarily reflect the views of the Shire of Esperance.
The Shire does not endorse or check the accuracy of comments, opinions, statements, or links by third parties. The Shire accepts no responsibility for relying on this material.
The Shire makes reasonable efforts to monitor content. However, it cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of information posted by others.
Availability and Response Times
The Shire monitors its social media channels during business hours, but these platforms are not monitored at all times.
Do not report emergencies, public safety risks, or urgent service requests on this page.
- For all emergencies, call 000.
- For urgent Shire matters, contact the Shire directly through the appropriate channels.
The Shire reserves the right to disable comments or restrict access to content where moderation resources are unavailable or where circumstances require.
Acceptance of Guidelines
By interacting with, liking, following, commenting on, messaging, tagging, or mentioning a Shire of Esperance social media page, you acknowledge and agree to follow these guidelines.
Users who breach these guidelines may have their comments removed and may be temporarily or permanently blocked from the Shire's social media channels.
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