Facebook's Live Video Has Consequences for Local Governments

Localities face differing requirements from state to state when it comes to using social media. Are you ready for live video?

1 minute read

April 27, 2016, 7:00 AM PDT

By robertesmith


Public records requirements, privacy and liability issues, and possibly record retention requirements can make the use of social networking sites a little difficult for a locality—toss in the potential for a dialogue that might involve elected officials or postings from elected officials and it's obvious that there have to be policies and procedures in place to avoid running afoul of open meetings and public document requirements.

Citizen engagement, however, has become increasingly important as localities strive for transparency and input. Leveraged by the smartphone, we have a perfect venue for reaching out and connecting. How then does one launch into the use of social networking, YouTube channels, LinkedIn sites, Twitter, and video streaming (Periscope anyone?) without bumping into the regulations above (which were probably created before social networking was even an idea)?

The advent of streaming, live video as a tool for connecting with our citizens is very powerful—but don't kid yourself—without some sort of legislative relief or adjustments, local policies, and procedures will need to be established to stay compliant with state requirements.

Wednesday, April 13, 2016 in Government Technology

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Interior of Place Versailles mall in Montreal, Canada.

Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units

Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.

May 22, 2025 - CBC

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 28, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

White and yellow DART light rail train in Dallas, Texas with brick building in background.

DARTSpace Platform Streamlines Dallas TOD Application Process

The Dallas transit agency hopes a shorter permitting timeline will boost transit-oriented development around rail stations.

May 28, 2025 - Mass Transit

Screenshot of shade map of Buffalo, New York with legend.

Interactive Map Reveals America's “Shade Deserts”

Launched by UCLA and American Forests to combat heat-related deaths, the tool maps the shade infrastructure for over 360 U.S. cities.

June 3 - UCLA Newsroom

Close-up of person putting sticker on back of basket of electric tricycle with mock license plate reading "E-TRIKE."

Bicycles and Books — In Sacramento, Libraries Now Offer Both

Adult library card holders can check out e-bikes and e-trikes for up to one week.

June 3 - The Sacramento Bee

Large pile of unsorted garbage in landfill with birds flying above at sunrise or sunset.

Colorado Landfills Emit as Much Pollution as 1M Cars

Landfills are the third-largest source of methane pollution in Colorado, after agriculture and fossil fuel extraction.

June 3 - Colorado Newsline

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.