Official seal of the City of Seal Beach, California, featuring the text "CITY OF SEAL BEACH" at the top, "CALIFORNIA" at the bottom, "INCORPORATED 1915" in the center, and imagery of a sea lion, sailboats, and fish within a circular emblem.

Social Media User Policy

CITY OF SEAL BEACH DIGITAL COMMUNICATION & SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY

Revision Date: October 23, 2025

I. Purpose

Digital communication tools and channels enable the City of Seal Beach to efficiently inform and engage residents, businesses, and visitors, and to ensure transparency and accessibility of City information and services. For this policy, “Digital Communication Platforms” include any web-based or mobile technologies used for communication—such as Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, LinkedIn, and TikTok—as well as City-issued email systems. By interacting with the City through these platforms, users agree to comply with this policy and each platform’s own Terms of Service.

II. Applicability

This policy applies to: All users and visitors who engage with official City-managed digital communication platforms. All City employees, consultants, and authorized representatives communicating on behalf of the City. The City reserves the right to restrict, hide, or remove any content or comment that violates this policy or any applicable law.

III. General Policy

City digital communication platforms are official government forums designed to inform and engage the public—not to serve as unrestricted public or political discussion spaces.

Prohibited Content

Comments or posts on City-managed platforms that contain any of the following are prohibited:

  • Off-topic or irrelevant comments not related to the post being commented on;
  • Support for or opposition to political campaigns, candidates, or ballot measures;
  • Profane, obscene, or sexually explicit language or content;
  • Discriminatory or harassing content based on race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability, or any other protected class;
  • Promotion of commercial products, services, or solicitations of commerce;
  • Advocacy or promotion of tobacco, alcohol, controlled substances, firearms, or weapons;
  • Religious proselytizing or advocacy of religious beliefs;
  • Content promoting or encouraging illegal activity;
  • Information that may compromise the safety, security, or integrity of public systems;
  • Libelous, defamatory, or threatening statements.

Comment Moderation Timing

All official City of Seal Beach social media platforms are monitored and moderated during regular business hours (Monday–Thursday 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. and alternating Fridays 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.). Comments posted outside these hours will be reviewed the next business day.

IV. City Websites

City websites are official communication channels managed solely by the City. They are not public forums for political or commercial expression.

Content and Control

All web content must relate to City programs, services, or community information and must be approved by authorized staff. Political or commercial advertising is prohibited, though sponsor acknowledgments may appear where appropriate.

External Links

Links may be provided at the City’s discretion to official government entities, franchise partners, contracted service providers, or organizations that promote Seal Beach’s cultural, economic, or educational mission. Links to political, religious, discriminatory, or adult-oriented sites are strictly prohibited.

V. Digital Communication by Employees and Consultants

Official Communication: Only individuals authorized by the City Manager, City Attorney, City Clerk, Public Information Officer, or Department Director may post or respond on behalf of the City.

Personal Use: Employees or consultants who maintain personal social media accounts must clearly state that their views are their own when discussing topics within the City’s jurisdiction (e.g., “Views expressed are my own and not those of the City of Seal Beach”).

Platform Control: All official communication must occur via City-owned or City-authorized platforms. Personal or unofficial accounts may not be used for City business.

Professional Conduct: All users acting in an official capacity shall conduct themselves professionally, adhere to applicable laws, and maintain transparency and decorum consistent with City standards.

VI. Records Management

City-managed digital platforms are subject to the California Public Records Act (CPRA). Any content, including posts, comments, direct messages, and subscriber lists, may constitute public records and are subject to disclosure. Requests for disclosure must be directed to the platform owner or City Clerk as appropriate.

VII. Accessibility and Copyright

All digital content will comply with current web accessibility standards (WCAG 2.1 AA) and respect applicable copyrights and trademarks. City logos, seals, and graphics may not be copied, modified, or redistributed without written authorization from the City Manager or designee.

VIII. Disclaimer and Legal Notice

The City endeavors to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of its digital content but makes no warranties of any kind, express or implied. Use of City platforms does not constitute legal notice to the City for any claims, requests, or legal filings. All materials are provided “as is,” and the City expressly disclaims all implied warranties, including merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

IX. Revision Information

This policy supersedes all previous versions of the City of Seal Beach Digital Communication or Social Media Policy.

Revision Date: October 23, 2025.