City of Seattle Online Posted Content and Commentary Policy

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Purpose

We believe that for our democracy to thrive, you need to be able to interact with your government easily. That's why we invite you to connect with the City of Seattle online. We welcome you to use our digital spaces and we respect your right to free speech as protected by the U.S. Constitution and our state constitution. Our online services are moderated by City staff. This policy will explain the rules for how we moderate any posts or comments.

Scope

This policy applies to all online services and sites hosted, managed, or administered by the City of Seattle. This includes social media accounts such as Facebook, Instagram, and X, and any platforms that accept public content and comments in the form of text, images, links, replies, "likes," "follows," "reposts," etc.

Expectations

  • We do not guarantee that we will respond to comments or messages from the public.
  • Call 9-1-1 for help in an emergency. City of Seattle websites and social media accounts are not monitored constantly and should not be used to access or get emergency services. 
  • For most situations, the best way to get service is through an online service request, the Find It Fix It mobile app, or calling the Customer Service Bureau at 206-684-CITY (2489). 
  • Any comments, replies, likes, and direct or private messages are subject to public disclosure under the Public Records Act, and will be retained consistent with City Retention schedules. 

Prohibited Content and Commentary

We invite members of the public to view and, where permitted, provide comments or other engagement. To maintain a constructive and civil discourse, we ask that you adhere to this use policy and do not post:

Harmful content

  • Personal attacks, harassment, insults, violent, or threatening language
  • Information or links that may compromise a person’s safety, or public or private system security such as malware, phishing, impersonation, or ransomware
  • Repetitive or duplicate posts that disrupt the communication thread
  • Conduct or encouragement of illegal activity, including publication of an untrue statement that would harm a person’s reputation or livelihood, or violation of intellectual property or copyright laws

Discriminatory content

  • Profane, obscene, or racist language or content
  • Content that promotes, fosters, or perpetuates discrimination based on race, creed, color, age, religion, gender, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, national origin, physical or mental disability, or sexual orientation

Inappropriate content

  • Sexual content or links to sexual content
  • Comments or hyperlinks not meaningfully related to the topic
  • Support for or opposition to political campaigns or ballot measures
  • Commercial messages, including advertisements, solicitations, and spam

Consequences for Violating This Use Policy

Potential criminal conduct, including but not limited to threats and cyberattacks, may be reported to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.

  • We reserve the right to hide, remove, or report to the relevant platform comments that contain prohibited content on all online services and sites hosted, managed, or administered by the City of Seattle. The City will act in accordance with behaviors outlined in the Prohibited Content and Commentary section.   
  • A copy or electronic record of removed content may be retained pursuant to our records retention policy.
  • Multiple violations of our policy may result in reporting to the relevant platform or affect your ability to interact with the City of Seattle on social media, websites, or other online forums. 

Definitions

Content: Text, images, audio, video, and links that a user posts to a City website or social media account

User: A member of the public who views or interacts with City websites and social media accounts

Social media: Official City accounts on publicly available platforms including, but not limited to, Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, TikTok, Nextdoor

Website: A web application that may allow users to interact and post comments

Public disclosure: Release of public records to individuals who make a request under the Washington State Public Records Act – Chapter 42.56 RCW