Council adopts internet policy

‘‘While the intent of the policy is favourable ... in my opinion I see some minor adjustments needed,’’ Cr Mackrell said.

‘‘Censorship in the western world is again on the increase ... at times I shake my head at the keyboard warriors who think they are immune to prosecution.

‘‘They, at a touch of a keyboard, can create havoc ... this information, the good old fake news, which for your information is in the top 10 new word phrases for 2018 ... I have been held to account and personally attacked and degraded as a councillor by certain members of the public who use Facebook ... I’m fully against this and feel that if this media policy is approved in its fullest extent that mine and other councillors’ freedom to articulate and to show a balanced response, that might allow for a positive outcome, be squashed.’’

Cr Mackrell moved an alternative motion to remove councillors from having to follow the policy but it was not successful.

Cr Wilson said councillors played a significant role in communicating with the public.

‘‘There’s many examples of inappropriate information and language being used and I reflect on my time in council, on more than one occasion having to curb some of that ... and at times actually defending our staff who are being berated by the public,’’ he said.

But Cr Wilson conceded the document was sound and in the end he voted in favour of it, though he believed ‘‘more could be done’’.

Cr Neil Pankhurst, who has an active social media presence, spoke in favour of the move at the meeting.

‘‘I’m a bit surprised everyone didn’t jump in given how active and keen people are to get on and make comment on social media,’’ he said.

‘‘Obviously speaking to the microphone is different and that highlights one of the challenges we face with social media ... this policy certainly provides good guidelines to everyone involved in how they should interact in the digital world and outlines for staff and councillors our roles and responsibilities in that space.’’

Cr Leanne Pentreath said the revised policy addressed gaps in the previous document.

‘‘Once you pull it out there you can’t put it back,’’ she said.

Cr Annie Vickers said she was ‘‘totally’’ behind the new policy.

‘‘This policy will assist us all in using social media ... when you use it don’t forget respect and courtesy ... it shouldn’t be hard to follow. There’s no brain surgery here,’’ she said.

‘‘The old fashioned saying, if in doubt don’t put out.’’

Deputy mayor Vicki Neele said she was not a big user of social media.

‘‘If someone does put out fake news the best policy is to ignore it,’’ she said.

The new policy aims to provide an understanding and guidance for the appropriate use of social media platforms and tools by councillors, staff (permanent, temporary or casual), contractors, agents and volunteers for the purpose of conducting council business.

‘‘Search engines, archives and other technologies make it virtually impossible to take something back. There is really no such thing as ‘delete’ on the internet, so always think twice before you post,’’ the policy reads.

It also states councillors and/or staff cannot issue statements or make announcements through social media channels unless authorised.