Policies and Guidance
FEDERAL POLICIES
- Social Media and the Hatch Act
Describes how the Hatch Act affects social media conduct guidelines for federal employees - Disposition of Official Social Media Accounts
Guidance regarding the records management procedures and disposition of official social media accounts at the end of an administration
DOD POLICIES
- DoDI 5400.17, August 12, 2022
Official Use of Social Media for Public Affairs Purposes
The DoD social media policy - DoDI 8170.01, August 24, 2021
Online Information Management and Electronic Messaging, Paragraph 3.24. Guidance regarding official use of non-DoD-controlled electronic messaging services - DoDD 1344.10, February 19, 2008
Political Activities by Members of the Armed Forces
DoD policy establishing guidelines for service members regarding partisan political activity and the appearance of official sponsorship, approval or endorsement. - DoDI 1300.18, August 14, 2009
Personnel Casualty Matters, Policies, and Procedures
Guidelines for release of information related to casualties
ARMY POLICIES
- AR 360-1, October 8, 2020
The Army Public Affairs Program, Chapter 8
The Army regulation establishing social media policy - AR 25-13,May 11, 2017
Army Telecommunications and Unified Capabilities
Authorized (para 3-1.h) and unauthorized (para 3-2.c) uses of communication systems including social media correspondence
External Links Disclaimer: The appearance of hyperlinks to external sites does not constitute endorsement by the Department of the Army of the linked website or the information, products or services contained therein. For other than authorized activities such as military exchanges and Morale, Welfare and Recreation sites, the Department of the Army does not exercise any editorial control over the information you may find at these locations. Such links are provided consistent with the stated purpose of this DoD website.
SUPPORT
If you are experiencing difficulty with any of the following issues, here are some resources that may help.
REPORTING SCAMS
There are many different types of online fraud and cybercrimes. U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Command (CID) receives hundreds of reports a month from individuals who have fallen victim to a scam perpetrated by a person impersonating a U.S. Soldier online.
Learn how to report a suspected scam
REPORTING IMPOSTORS
Soldiers, especially leaders, are prime targets for identity thieves who will use images posted online to create fake accounts. It is good practice to search sites regularly for impostors. Impostor accounts are violations of terms of use agreements.
Report an imposter social media account
REPORTING MISCONDUCT
Misusing online communications (online bullying), sending harassing or intimidating communications and images, or other online misconduct may violate existing federal laws under the U.S. Code and may also be a violation of the UCMJ. Regulation 600-20 authorizes commanders to punish Soldiers who are in violation of its direction, making failure to adhere to the Army's rules for online behavior a punishable offense under the UCMJ. There are mechanisms for reporting online misconduct.
Learn how to report misconduct.
HAS YOUR OFFICIAL SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNT BEEN HACKED?
First, contact the respective social media platform lead at the Office of the Chief of Public Affairs Digital Media Division. The DMD POC will contact the platform on your behalf.
See additional actions and safety guidance.