ACLU warns Dover about tough social media policy

Think you’re safe to tweet and tag photos outside the office? Some in Delaware may need to think again, and that state’s American Civil Liberties Union is getting involved.

ACLU of Delaware is advising the city of Dover not to restrict its employees’ posts on Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites when they’re not on the job.

 

The News Journal of Wilmington reports that state ACLU legal director Richard Morse sent city officials a letter saying the government doesn’t get to choose whether free speech is acceptable.

Under a policy drafted by the city’s human resources director, city workers couldn’t use social media while on duty and would be barred from posting disparaging comments about co-workers, bosses or city officials even when off duty.

Morse wrote that the town could open itself up to a lawsuit if the proposal is adopted and workers are fired.

The proposal is set for committee consideration today.