Defence FOI 382/23/24
Document 1
Personal Social Media Guide
Practical advice for ADF, APS and contracted personnel
As at May 2022
(Note document is not controlled if printed)
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Contents
Contents
2
Using this Guide
3
Social media policy
4
Social media usage
5
Principles
5
Public comment
5
Maintaining security for Defence operations
6
Staying safe online
6
Geotagging
6
Securing your account
7
Setting up your personal social media account/s
8
Managing your account
9
Moderation
9
What to do if you are been harassed or bullied online?
10
Quick reference guide - Privacy Settings
12
Frequently asked questions
17
What type of content should I share?
17
Who should I follow?
17
Is there anyone I should not connect with?
17
Is there anything I should do before going on deployment?
17
The issue I have is not covered in this guide. What do I do?
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Using this Guide
The Personal Social Media Guide is designed for Australian Defence Force (ADF) and
Australian Public Service (APS) and contracted personnel to provide advice on using social
media personally.
This guide should be read in conjunction with Chapter 7 in the Defence Media and
Communication Guide.
The use of social media has increased exponentially and continues to be embraced. This has
led to a blurring of lines between professional and private online activity which can present
privacy and security issues.
Defence personnel are al owed to use social media personally, but must ensure their
comments, photos and online associations do not compromise operational or personal security.
Any feedback on the
Personal Social Media Guide is to be sent to the Social Media Hub at
s47E(d)
@defence.gov.au.
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Social media policy
Defence recognises and accepts reasonable use of social media that doesn’t interfere with
effective completion of work or contravene the Defence Social Media Policy.
There are consequences for personnel using social media inappropriately, including possible
disciplinary action or criminal prosecution. Failure to comply with Defence policy could constitute
an offence against provisions of the
Australian Defence Force Discipline Act 1992, the
Public
Service Act 1999 and/or amount to a breach of the
Australian Public Service Code of Conduct.
Review the following Defence and Commonwealth policies:
❏ Defence Media and Communication Policy is the policy for the use of social media by
Defence personnel.
❏ Defence Media and Communication Guide. This Guide applies to all Defence personnel
and must be adhered to in accordance with the Defence Media and Communication
Policy.
❏ Australian Public Service Commission Code of Conduct is the policy for the ethical
standards and values APS employees should uphold and is set out in section 13 of the
Public Service Act 1999.
❏ Australian Public Service Commission Code of Conduct in Practice is the current
guidance on making public comment and participating online (social media).
❏ Defence Force Discipline Act 1982 is an act relating to the discipline of the Defence
Force and for related purposes.
❏ Defence Security Manual is the publication which implements in Defence the minimum
standards of the Government Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) and
Government Information and Security Manual (ISM).
❏ Privacy Act 1988 is an Act to make provision to protect the privacy of individuals and for
related purposes.
❏ Work Health and Safety Act 2011
is an Act relating to work health and safety, and for
related purposes.
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Social media usage
Principles
Publishing online is public comment, and use of digital channels in a private capacity must be
consistent with the values and strategic messages of Defence. It is essential that you do not
post any content or engage in any activity that could be seen to damage the reputation of
Defence.
❏ What would your Chain of Command, the Secretary, the Chief of the Defence Force,
and/or adversaries think of your social media activity?
❏ Do not criticise the work or administration of the Government, Department, Group or
Service. You must professionally and impartially serve the government of the day
❏ Do not discuss any internal Defence material including forecasting, announcing or
promoting Defence activities that have not been disclosed previously in the public
domain
❏ Respect privacy, be respectful, be polite and don’t post any defamatory, vulgar,
obscene, abusive, profane, threatening, racially or ethnically hateful or otherwise
offensive or il egal content
❏ Do not claim or appear to represent Defence as an official spokesperson.
❏ You are accountable for your actions online. Do not like, join, share, engage or remain a
member of a page, account, group, forum, site or discussion that is involved in or
promotes behaviour that is exploitative, objectifying or derogatory or in any other way
breaches any relevant legislation or Defence policies.
Public comment
Personal social media accounts must not use any Defence branding (including Defence logos,
emblems, badges, symbols, iconography etc.); official title; rank; profile photo in uniform or other
clothing with Defence branding; position/employment category; role; or organisational grouping
connected to or representing Defence.
The exception is LinkedIn, where personnel are permitted to reflect their role within Defence,
provided no operational or classified information is contained in the account. Access LinkedIn
via the official website or mobile application and consider using a different email address for
LinkedIn access from the email address used for personal communication.
If an account appears to be representing Defence, and is administered by Defence personnel,
all content and activity wil be deemed departmental public comment and that individual wil be
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accountable for compliance with the requirements of the Defence Media and Communication
Policy and other relevant Defence policies.
Maintaining security for Defence operations
If you have any doubt regarding operational security, you must seek appropriate guidance and
clarification from your Chain of Command or Supervisor prior to making material public.
Staying safe online
Privacy and security settings exist for a reason. You need to learn about and use the privacy
and security settings on social networks. They wil help you control who sees what you post and
manage your online experience in a positive way.
It is part of your job to be wary about how much information you post or make available online.
Remember, what you post online stays online forever so be cautious about the personal
information you provide on social media.
No information that breaches security or adversely affects the safety and wellbeing of Defence
personnel and their families, or damages Defence’s reputation and international relationships
can be published.
In the context of security clearance, AGSVA may take into account behaviour on social media.
For general tips on staying safe online, visit https://www.staysmartonline.gov.au/
Geotagging
Geotagging adds geographical data to various media including photographs or video, websites,
SMS messages, providing details of exactly where the media was taken. Most photos taken on
a smartphone with GPS capabilities are usually geotagged automatically unless you have
turned off the setting.
For security purposes, it is recommend that Defence personnel turn off geotagging.
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Securing your account
Digital security is more important than ever.
It is important you keep your social media account/s secure. Use this checklist as your guide:
❏ Your password should include a mixture of numbers, symbols, and capital and
lowercase letters.
❏ Change your password at least once every three months and when possible, use two-
factor authentication.
❏ Use separate passwords for every account. At a minimum, separate your official and
personal accounts and make sure your critical accounts have strong passwords.
❏ Remember to log out whenever an account isn't in use.
❏ Be aware that criminal and/or terrorist organisations and foreign intelligence services
actively seek information about Defence capabilities which may potentially harm
Defence personnel, information and/or interests. Some people online may disguise their
real identity in order to elicit personal or operational information from Defence personnel
or their families and friends.
❏ No information should be given out in response to requests for information through
digital channels without appropriate clearance. Requests for information are to be
treated like a media enquiry and forwarded to Media Team on s47E(d)@defence.gov.au.
❏ The Defence Secret and Restricted Networks System User Acceptable Usage Standard
Operating Procedures provides guidance about online security considerations when
using online applications, including social media, on the DPN and DSN, which also apply
to other Defence ICT assets.
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Setting up your personal social media account/s
Profile Picture
Your account picture is one of the first things that people wil see.
Do not use an account picture with your service uniform for any personal accounts.
As your Profile Picture wil always be public, ensure you do not have a passport style profile
picture with your face forward facing, as these can be used to steal your identity. Cover a
portion of your face, or use an avatar to protect your identity.
Connecting
At your discretion, follow/friend/connect with stakeholders who are of influence in your
environment. However you should not follow groups or stakeholders who may post
inappropriate content or that may pose a security risk.
Posting, commenting, liking and sharing
Social media is built around participation and engagement with your
followers/friends/connections.
Keep in mind that when using any social media site you represent the values of yourself and
your workplace. If you are commenting as an expert on a topic you should ensure it is clear that
the views are personal and not the views of your employer.
Al conversation and activity should be carefully moderated. Do not engage in:
❏ Ill -natured debates (arguments)
❏ Criticism of others
❏ Not safe for work content
❏ Internet trolls
❏ Discussion of religion or politics
❏ Disclosing internal Defence, confidential or classified information
❏ Harassment of an individual both publicly and privately on the site
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Managing your account
Community Standards
Each social media platform has
Community Standards that provide guidance to users on what is
and is not allowed on their platform. Content that breaches the community standards may be
removed, and if frequent breaches occur, the account may be closed.
The main platforms used in Australia are listed here:
❏ Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/communitystandards
❏ Twitter - https://help.twitter.com/en/rules-and-policies#twitter-rules
❏ Instagram - https://help.instagram.com
❏ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/legal/user-agreement
Moderation
Moderation is the manual or automatic process for assessing and removing social media
content (including images, comments/replies etc.) that is considered extreme and offensive by
the contributing community. You should moderate your own accounts to ensure that
comments/replies are in line with the relevant platform’s community standards.
It is important you moderate:
❏ profanities (at an age-appropriate level for the audience)
❏ abuse and personal attacks
❏ hate and discrimination
❏ obscenity
❏ personally identifying information
❏ security breaches
❏ breaches of the general code of conduct
❏ incorrect information.
While some social media platforms like Facebook automatically moderate for basic breaches,
such as the use of profanities, some of the followers of your accounts may not be aware of what
behaviour is acceptable and what is not. You may also block or delete users if you consider they
have breached the social media networks’ fair use policy.
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What to do if you are being harassed or bul ied online?
Protect yourself, seek support and report
If you are harassed or bul ied online you should take action as quickly as possible. Unfortunately
there are incidents daily across social media. We recommend to take the following steps:
❏ Protect yourself
❏ Seek support
❏ Report
It is recommended that you first protect yourself and your family. Immediately review your
privacy settings and un-tag yourself from any posts where the harassment or bullying has
occurred.
Secondly, seek support. Defence provides counselling services, you can approach your Chain
of Command or see your Services Chaplain, or contact one of the organisations listed below.
Third, report the incident to your Chain of Command, the Defence Social Media Hub on
s47E(d)
@defence.gov.au, and report through the relevant social media platform.
Protect yourself
•Review your privacy and security settings
•Un-tag yourself from any posts
•Advise your family and friends not to tag you in posts, and set the function for you
to approve any future tags
Seek support
•Talk to your Chain of Command.
•Call the Defence Al Hours Support Line (ASL), a confidential telephone service
for ADF members and their families. ASL is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week on s47E(d)
•APS staff can utilise the Defence Employee Assistance Program (EAP). EAP is
available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on s47E(d)
•Or seek support via Lifeline or 1800RESPECT.
Report
•The offending post to your Chain of Command. Take a screen shot of the post
and any offending comments.
•If the post breaches Defence policy, contact the Defence Social Media Hub
advising of the issue along with a screen shot/s.
•If the post breaches the platform community standards, report it through the
platform's help centre. Keep a record of your report.
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Additional information if you are being bul ied or
harassed online in connection to your employment with
Defence.
Unacceptable behaviour can occur at any place and in any environment, whether in
Australia or overseas, where the behaviour may be connected to Defence. This includes
social media and virtual platforms. Personnel must comply with the Defence Values and
Behaviours where their actions are connected to their employment with Defence.
If you experience behaviour online that can reasonably be interpreted as unacceptable
behaviour and there may be a connection to your employment, further advice, reporting
and support options are detailed in the Complaints and Alternative Resolutions Manual
Chapter 3 – Responding to Unacceptable Behaviour.
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Quick reference guide - Privacy Settings
Recommended Facebook Privacy settings:
1. To adjust privacy settings click the
at the top right of Facebook and select
settings.
2. Click
Security and login on the left column
3. Make sure you have a secure password and it is changed often.
4. Next, click on the ? icon next to the arrow on the top right corner and click on
Privacy
check up
5. Go through the prompts and set everything to only let
friends view your posts, you can
also create a list to only let certain friends see certain posts i.e. only allow family
members to see the images you post from your birthday.
6. Next click on the
at the top right of Facebook and select
Privacy from the menu on
the left column.
7. You can go through the menu that appears and set each setting to
friends only.
8. Select
no for appearing in search engine results.
9. You can also set up your account so that you have to approve every post you are tagged
in i.e. Facebook status updates and pictures posted by friends.
10. On the left column, select apps.
11. You can adjust the settings for each individual app, you can click on each one
individually. Deselect all options, some apps wil not allow you to untick al the options so
you should consider removing the app if it is not necessary.
Setting up your personal Facebook account
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Recommended Twitter privacy settings:
1. Ensure you use a secure password and it is changed often
2. When logged in, click the account icon on the top right of the screen, select
settings
and privacy
3. Click on the
password tab, enter you current password and new password and save
changes.
4. Your account should require verification when changing your password, particularly if
you have multiple users logging in from different devices. Go to
account settings
5. Under the
security section, check the box next to
require personal information to
reset my password.
6. You wil be required to enter your account email address or phone number.
7. You should also have two-step verification in the top menu click on the account icon and
click
settings and privacy
8. Click on your
account settings and select
setup login verification
9. Read the overview instructions and click start
10. Enter your password and click
verify
11. Click
send code to add your phone number.
12. Enter the verification code and click
submit
13. Click
get a backup code to view a code generated by twitter. It is best to store this code
in a safe place as it wil help you access your account if you lose your phone or change
your phone number.
Setting up your personal Twitter account
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Recommended privacy settings on Instagram:
1. Ensure you have a secure password and it is changed often, select the three lines and
select
settings at the bottom of the menu that appears.
2. Select
password and save it once it is changed.
3. Don't allow access to third party applications other than your post scheduling tool.
4. You should have two-factor authentication set up particularly if there are multiple
persons accessing the account.
5. Go to
settings, scroll down to two-factor authentication and switch on
require a
security code
Setting up your personal Instagram account
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Recommended privacy settings for LinkedIn:
1. Ensure you have a secure password that is changed often
2. Click on the
me icon at the top of the homepage
3. Select
settings and privacy
4. Under the
login and security section of the account tab, click
change next to
change
password.
5. Select the checkbox to
require all devices to sign in with the new password
6. Turn on two-factor authentication
7. Click the
me icon at the top of your LinkedIn homepage
8. Select
settings and privacy
9. Under
login and security section of the
Account tab, click
Change next to
two-step
verification.
10. Click
Turn on to change the status of the two-step verification
11. Once you receive the code set to your phone, enter it into the box on the device you are
signing in on
12. Click
verify
Setting up your personal LinkedIn account
LinkedIn profile image and connections
If you choose to wear your service uniform in your account picture ensure that you have the
correct uniform on. It should be a professional headshot or your official portrait and not an
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image taken while on the job. Wearing your uniform in your account image makes you
identifiable as Defence or ADF personnel to the public.
It is important to build your network in an intelligent, meaningful and strategic manner. Connect
with people that work in the same field as you or that you share mutual interests or mutual
connections with.
Appropriate LinkedIn behaviour:
1. Don’t post inappropriate content
2. Don’t send spam or unsolicited promotional messages
3. Don’t share classified or confidential information
4. Don’t Share political or religious views. Keep conversation and interactions professional
5. Don’t post memes
6. Don’t post misleading updates
7. Don’t argue or start arguments
8. Don’t use LinkedIn as a dating website.
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Frequently asked questions
What type of content should I share?
Be proud of your association with Defence and be free to share cleared content appropriately
for organisational reputation benefit. You can share Defence or Services content to your
personal platform but ensure if retweeting or sharing with your own comments it aligns with
Defence values.
Who should I fol ow?
At your discretion, follow/friend/connect with stakeholders who are of influence in your
environment. However, you should not follow groups or stakeholders who may post
inappropriate content or content that may pose a security risk.
Is there anyone I should not connect with?
Defence does not recommend to friend/connect with people who are unknown to you on your
personal social media account. Remember that as an employee of Defence you are potentially
a target for adversaries.
Is there anything I should do before going on deployment?
For any private social media account, we recommend adding a Legacy Contact if available on
that platform. A legacy contact can look after your account if it is memorialised.
Your legacy contact can:
1. Write a pinned post for your profile (example: to share a final message on your behalf or
provide information about a memorial service)
2. Update your profile picture and cover photo.
3. Request the removal of your account
4. Download a copy of what you’ve shared on the account.
Check the relevant platform’s Help Centre for more information.
The issue I have is not covered in this guide. What do I do?
Refer to the relevant platform’s Help Centre for further advice.
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Defence FOI 382/23/24
OFFICIAL
Document 4
DEFENCE MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION
GUIDE
s22
12 May 2022
Version 1.1 (issued 16 May 2022)
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CHAPTER 7 – SOCIAL MEDIA (UNOFFICIAL)
7.1
Social media refers to websites and applications that enable users to create
and share content, or to participate in virtual communities and networks. Social
media includes, but is not limited to:
a.
social media networking sites (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn,
SnapChat etc.);
b.
social review sites (e.g. Yelp, Tripadvisor, Goodreads, Google Reviews
etc.);
c.
image sharing sites (e.g. Instagram, Flickr, Pinterest etc.);
d.
video hosting and live streaming sites (e.g. YouTube, TikTok, Zoom,
Skype etc.);
e.
community blogs (e.g. WordPress, Tumblr, Blogger etc.);
f.
discussion sites and professional military education websites (e.g.
Whirlpool, Quora, Reddit, The Cove, Forge etc.);
g.
messenger sites (e.g. Messenger, Signal, WhatsApp etc.);
h.
collaborative sites (e.g. Wikipedia etc.); and
i.
dating sites (e.g. Tinder, RSVP, Bumble etc.).
7.2
An unofficial social media account is one operated by Defence personnel in a
personal or private capacity for non-Defence related positions, organisations and
activities, not associated with their service or employment in Defence.
a.
For policy on the personal use of Defence’s information and
communications technology resources, refer to the Information and
Communications Technology Manual.
7.3
Defence personnel can use social media in an unofficial capacity. This must
be balanced with security and professional obligations as Defence personnel, where
online behaviour can pose a risk to national security, and reflect on Defence as a
whole. This ultimately may harm Defence’s personnel, information or national
interests, as well as impacting on organisational reputation and the level of
confidence Defence receives from the Australian community and the Government. In
some cases, responsibilities extend into Defence personnel’s private lives and limit
their ability to participate fully in public discussions, including on social media.
7.4
Unofficial social media accounts of Defence personnel must not use any
Defence branding (including Defence logos, emblems, badges, symbols,
iconography etc.); official title; rank; profile photo in uniform or other clothing with
Defence branding; position/employment category; role; or organisational grouping
connected to or representing Defence.
a.
Defence personnel using
LinkedIn must:
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i.
comply with the security considerations at paragraphs 7.11-7.13
and carefully consider the type and amount of information they
post, including technical expertise;
ii.
not use their rank, profile photo in uniform or other clothing with
Defence branding, detailed information about their current or
previous roles in Defence, or any operational, classified or
sensitive information;
iii.
apply the highest privacy and security settings available;
iv.
only access LinkedIn via the official website or mobile
application; and
v.
consider using a different email address for LinkedIn access
from the email address used for personal communication.
7.5
Defence personnel submitting content to internal or external professional
military education parties (such as The Cove, Forge, The Runway etc.) must do so in
accordance with Chapter 3 – Releasing Official Content or Making Public Comment
on Behalf of Defence.
CONDUCT WHEN USING UNOFFICIAL SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS
7.6
Posts, comments, direct messages, likes, reactions, shares and similar activity
on social media from people identified or identifiable as Defence personnel constitute
public comment and are subject to the policies, values and legislation governing
Defence. Failure to comply with Defence policy could constitute an offence against
provisions of the
Defence Force Discipline Act 1982, the
Public Service Act 1999 and/or amount to a breach of the
Australian Public Service Code of Conduct.
a.
The policies, values and legislation governing Defence apply even if
material is posted anonymously or using a pseudonym and Defence
employees should be mindful that their identity or employment may be
revealed.
b.
Joining, following or liking someone else’s content could be perceived
as endorsement of the content. Defence personnel should apply the
considerations of paragraph 7.7 when joining, following or liking another
person’s content.
c.
Being tagged in certain posts may imply an association. Where
possible, Defence personnel must untag themselves from posts that
do not comply with their responsibilities as Defence personnel.
d.
Defence personnel are permitted to follow Members of Parliament
across the political spectrum in the interests of staying well informed
or because they support a particular party. Any engagement with
such posts must be in accordance with paragraph 7.6.a.
e.
Defence personnel should review their online footprint periodically,
such as when joining Defence, changing roles or on promotion.
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Historical posts should be considered in the context of all the risk
factors and removed where appropriate.
7.7
Defence personnel using unofficial social media accounts must:
a.
exercise discretion and judgement and protect classified and private
information, operational security, our international relationships and the
safety of Defence personnel and their families;
b.
do so in a professional, impartial and apolitical manner;
c.
behave with respect and courtesy;
d.
ensure that personal comments added to official content released by
Defence aligns with Defence Values and Behaviours;
e.
be aware that what you post can affect your reputation, as well as that
of the Government, ministers and Defence; and
f.
be aware that content posted on social media is available immediately
to a wide audience, effectively endures without limit, may be copied
repeatedly, screen captured, may be seen by people who it was not
intended for or used for a purpose for which it was not intended, or
taken out of context.
7.8
Defence personnel using unofficial social media accounts must not:
a.
release operational, classified or sensitive information, including but not
limited to, details about operational incidents, missions, security
procedures, locations and times of deployments, damaged equipment
and assets, personal documents (such as wills, powers of attorney,
deployment information etc.), and issues regarding morale or
personnel;
b.
release information about the injury, wounding or death of a Defence
employee before the next of kin is notified and the information is
publicly released by Defence;
c.
criticise or question the role, work, policy or administration of the
Government, Defence, or Defence Group or Service;
d.
forecast, announce or promote Defence activities that have not been
disclosed previously in the public domain;
e.
claim or appear to represent Defence as an official spokesperson (such
as, but not limited to, using Defence branding, including Defence logos,
emblems, badges, symbols and iconography (see Chapter 9 – Defence
Branding); official title; rank; position/employment category; role; profile
photo in uniform etc.);
f.
use imagery of Defence activities that have not been cleared for public
release or represent Defence negatively in the public domain;
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g.
post any defamatory, discriminatory, vulgar, obscene, abusive, profane,
threatening, racially or ethnically hateful, otherwise not aligned with
Defence Values and Behaviours, or illegal information or material;
h.
join, submit content to or remain a member of a group, forum, site or
discussion that is involved in or promotes behaviour that is exploitative,
objectifying or derogatory, goes against Defence Values and
Behaviours or in any other way breaches any relevant legislation or
Defence policies; or
i.
use media where the copyright is owned by anyone else without
authorisation or permission.
CLEARANCE TO USE IMAGERY/AUDIO ON UNOFFICIAL SOCIAL MEDIA
ACCOUNTS
7.9
Defence personnel can post imagery (photographs or videos) of themselves in
uniform provided they have appropriate clearance by their chain-of-command. Prior
to posting, imagery must be closely reviewed to ensure no operational, classified,
sensitive or personal information is released (such as troop locations, equipment,
tactical unit details, numbers of personnel etc.).
a.
Images of Defence personnel in uniform must not be used as profile
pictures on any unofficial social media accounts. The only exception to
this is ForceNet, where the use of a profile picture in uniform is
permitted.
b.
Defence personnel are permitted to post images that have been
published on the Defence Image Gallery (in accordance with paragraph
7.6.a) or videos that have been published on the Defence Australia
YouTube channel.
c.
Images, videos or audio taken by Defence personnel on duty belong to
Defence and must be cleared by the member’s chain-of-command prior
to release to ensure no operational, classified, sensitive or personal
information is released. For further information regarding copyright of
imagery or audio, refer to paragraphs 8.11-8.23 in Chapter 8 – Digital
Media.
7.10 Defence imagery and audio must not be used for political purposes in a way
contrary to Defence’s apolitical standing. Defence personnel engaging in political
activities must comply with imagery and audio requirements in accordance with
paragraph 8.19 in Chapter 8 – Digital Media.
SECURITY OF UNOFFICIAL SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS
7.11 Defence personnel need to exercise caution with respect to their online
presence and be aware that criminal and terrorist organisations, ideologically
motivated groups, foreign intelligence services and other individuals (who may
disguise their real identity) actively seek information from Defence personnel and
their spouses, partners, family members and friends about Defence capabilities,
which may potentially harm Defence personnel, information and interests.
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a.
Defence personnel must not provide information in response to
requests for information about Defence through digital channels without
appropriate clearance. Requests from media must be referred to
Defence Media and requests from the public are to be referred to the
Defence website. Suspicious contacts must be reported to the Defence
Security and Vetting Service.
7.12 To meet individual security responsibilities, Defence personnel must abide by
the eSafety Commissioner’s eSafety Guide; Defence Security and Vetting Service’s
Social Media Security intranet page and top tips to help protect you on social media;
the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s Personal Cyber Security: First Steps Guide;
Personal Cyber Security: Next Steps Guide; Personal Cyber Security: Advanced
Steps Guide; security tips for personal devices and easy steps to secure your online
information; the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation’s Think Before You Link
guidance; and the Australian Public Service Commission’s guidance on the use of
social media. In addition, Defence personnel must keep their unofficial social media
accounts secure by:
a.
applying the highest privacy and security settings available;
b.
choosing separate and complex passwords for each account, changing
them regularly (approximately every three months), using two-factor
authentication where possible, logging out when not in use, and not
allowing web browsers to store passwords;
c.
turning off geotagging and location-based social networking to avoid
sharing geographical details of where media such as photographs,
video, websites and SMS messages were taken; and
d.
not friending/connecting with people unknown to them.
7.13 Defence personnel are encouraged to talk to their spouses, partners and
family members about the importance of maintaining secure social media accounts,
including that they:
a.
do not post operationally sensitive information (such as deployment
dates, locations etc.) or tag Defence personnel in their posts;
b.
apply the highest privacy and security settings available;
c.
carefully consider the type and amount of information they post,
including restricting personal information on their accounts (such as
home or work address, phone numbers and place of employment etc.);
and
d.
choose separate and complex passwords for each account, change
them regularly (approximately every three months), use two-factor
authentication where possible, log out when not in use, and do not
allow web browsers to store passwords.
7.14 For further information, refer to the Personal Social Media Guide on the
Defence Social Media intranet page, or contact the Defence Social Media Hub.
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1.30 Official Defence social media accounts must comply with Defence’s strategic
messaging and Defence Values and Behaviours.
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1.31 Ministerial and Executive Coordination and Communication (MECC) Division
wil set the overarching policy framework for, and provide the necessary support to
manage and monitor official Defence social media accounts.
1.32 Groups and Services are responsible for managing their respective official
social media accounts, as described in the Defence Media and Communication
Guide and the Social Media Playbook.
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1.63 Defence personnel using unofficial social media accounts wil uphold their
security and professional responsibilities as described in the Defence Media and
Communication Guide and the Personal Social Media Guide; and comply with
legislation, policy, guidance and Defence Values and Behaviours.
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