Warning for Rotherham's online councillors

ROTHERHAM councillors have been warned to mind the Ps and Qs when using the internet.

The Borough Council’s Standards Committee has issued guidelines for members who are using the internet to post their opinions and news about their activities in blogs.

Council leader Roger Stone and the Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Rose McNeely, have both launched official blogs.

Several others have private blogs, as well as using Twitter and Facebook.

The guide says: “Blogging is increasingly becoming an important and legitimate part of the operation of a democratic society.

“This guide is aimed at members who are new to blogging and social networking as well as experienced bloggers and networkers.

“While you may not be investigated or censured for using online media in certain ways, your conduct might still be viewed as less than exemplary and attract adverse publicity for your office and authority.”

But members are warned that mentioning council business means the code of conduct is likely to apply to their digital musings.

The guide says: “If you use online media to promote your work as a member or through council websites you will be regarded as conducting the business of the authority.

“The content of private, non-political blogs are less likely to engage the code. A disclaimer in a private blog which says that any comments are not made in an official capacity will not necessarily prevent breaches of the code being found.

“Anonymous satirical websites raise other issues. The first point to consider is whether it can be proved that you uploaded the site content.

“If proof is established it is then necessary to show that you acted, claimed to act or gave the impression that you were acting as a member when you posted the offending comments.”

Councillors are also asked to be wary of libel, bias, copyright and data protection issues.