PURPOSE. Because many of our citizens and other stakeholders utilize social media for news and communications, the City of Goodyear has developed its own social media accounts, which help us inform the public about our work and mission. The City of Goodyear has an important interest in assuring the accuracy and consistency of information associated with our social media sites. We also respect the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the constitutional right to freedom of speech. These terms and conditions establish guidelines for the public’s use of social media that balances these values.

DEFINITIONS

1.“Social media” means digital content created by us and communicated on platforms that allow sharing, commenting, and engagement from the public. Examples of social media platforms we may use include Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, YouTube, Nextdoor and LinkedIn.

2.“Comments” include any digital content, information, links, images, videos, or any other form of communicative content posted in reply or response to a social media account operated by us.

3.“User” means a member of the public who views or interacts with one or more of our social media accounts.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

1. These terms and conditions apply to all our social media sites. Where possible, a link to these terms and conditions will be made available as a hyperlink or posted as text somewhere on our social media account(s).

2. Users should know that social media posts we make, comments and replies to those posts, and any direct or private messages sent to us may be public records subject to applicable public records release.

3. Our social media accounts are not monitored 24/7 and no one should utilize our social media accounts to seek emergency services. Anyone in need of emergency help should call 9-1-1.

4. We do not guarantee we will respond to comments or messages sent on our social media accounts.

EXPECTATIONS

1. The City of Goodyear believes that honest, civil, and productive discussions provide the best environment for citizens to understand the work of their government and participate in constructive engagement.

2. We ask users to consider that our social media feeds may be viewed by children and other impressionable people. Please avoid profanity, personal attacks, bullying, or use of incorrect information.

CONTENT MODERATION

1. Limited Public Forum. Our social media accounts are created and maintained as limited public forums under the caselaw pertaining to the First Amendment to the U.S Constitution. We invite members of the public to view and, where possible, provide comments or other engagement on our social media accounts. However, the law permits us to hide and/or delete comments that are not protected speech under the First Amendment and relevant caselaw. As a general rule, we will not hide and/or delete comments solely because such comments are critical of City of Goodyear or its officials.

2. Prohibited Content. Relevant First Amendment caselaw permits us to hide or delete certain comments on our social media accounts. The following will be hidden or deleted:

a. Comments directly advocating violence or illegal activity.

b. Comments containing obscenity, which is defined as sexually explicit and/or pornographic content.

c. Comments that directly promote or advocate that the city illegally discriminate based on race, age, religion, gender, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

d. Comments containing links to malware and/or malicious content that affects the normal functioning of a computer system, server, or browser.

e. Comments containing actual defamation against a person, either as determined by a court or comments that are patently defamatory by easily discovered facts.

f. Comments that contain images or other content that violate the intellectual property or copyright rights of someone else, if the owner of that property notifies us that the property was posted in a comment on our social media account(s).

NOTE: Some social media platforms automatically hide links on comments that they deem to be suspicious in nature. The city is not able to control those settings and users who have concerns should reach out directly to the social media platform.