Public authority responsibility in social media
As a public authority, we have a duty to keep our channels under review, to be clear about who is the sender and to respond to direct questions.
As a public authority, we cannot set up a channel without taking care of it. We are also responsible for the material we publish on the channel and, in some cases, for what others publish. It is therefore important that you do not post personal data or copyrighted material on social media. Material protected by copyright cannot be used without permission. Also, always make sure to indicate the source of the material, unless it is your own or the University's content.
As a public authority, we are also obliged to respond to, or otherwise deal with, direct questions received, read more about how to handle questions and comments:
The boundary between private and public
Individual employees with a personal social media account used to communicate, in whole or in part, research at the university, do not represent the authority and therefore do not have the same obligations. As an employer, Stockholm University has no right to influence what our employees do in their free time. Freedom of expression applies fully to everyone. However, an account communicating in the name of Stockholm University should not comment, like or share posts that are not related to research and education or that are not relevant to the university's activities.
Content counts as public documents
Material published by us and others in our channels becomes public documents and can be requested in accordance with the principle of public access.
This applies to advice and information on social media
It is important not to provide advice and information on cases and issues concerning individuals. Instead, refer to the department or function within the University that can help the questioner, and move the matter to a more appropriate channel (such as email or telephone). When it is not a personal matter, it is of course good practice to provide advice and information directly in the comments section, so that more people can benefit from it.
Be clear that Stockholm University is the sender
As an authority, it is important to clearly show who is behind the channel. Users should know that the information comes from Stockholm University. It should also be clear what the purpose of the channel is and what guidelines apply, for example, what you are allowed to write in the channel and what happens if you post illegal or inappropriate material. Read more about what you should write in your account description:
Guidelines for account name, profile picture and account description