Facebook's Live Video Has Consequences for Local Governments

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.