July 16, 2025

New Social Media Standards for Georgia Agencies

Starting July 1, 2025, all Georgia state agencies must follow new social media standards. These rules, outlined in standard SM-25-001, aim to help teams use social platforms safely, responsibly, and in line with public expectations. They reinforce our shared commitment to transparency, privacy, and accessibility.

Here are a few key takeaways that can help your agency prepare:

1. Strengthening Account Security

Social media accounts are now considered official digital front doors. Just like we secure office buildings, we need strong protections around who can access and post on behalf of state agencies.

The standard requires:

  • Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all agency social media accounts
  • No account tied to a single person’s email or phone number
  • Passwords stored in encrypted password managers
  • Quarterly password changes and user access reviews

These steps help prevent unauthorized access and ensure continuity even when team members change roles or leave the agency.

2. Privacy Comes First

Social media can feel casual, but it’s still a public record. The new standard strictly prohibits sharing personal information, even in direct messages. If a constituent needs help, guide them to secure state-run portals or forms.

When it comes to photos:

  • Always get written consent before sharing images of individuals, although exceptions apply for public events.
  • Never share photos of children under 18 without a signed release from a parent or guardian.
  • Don’t post any images of people receiving confidential services, even with permission.

These rules protect both the public and your agency.

3. Don't Block, Do Archive

Under the First Amendment, agency social media accounts are considered public forums. That means we can’t block users. If someone violates your comment standard, you can hide comments, but only if they break posted guidelines.

The standard also requires all social media content to be archived by a third-party tool. Posts can only be deleted after being archived and retained according to state schedules. This ensures transparency and compliance with the Georgia State Records Act.

Social Media Responsible Use (SM-25-001)

Review the full standard to ensure your agency's social media activities align with best practices for transparency, accountability, and security.

Learn more

4. Make It Accessible

Just like websites, social content must meet accessibility standards. That includes:

  • Adding alt text or image descriptions
  • Captioning videos
  • Avoiding text-only graphics for key information

These small steps can make a big difference for people using screen readers or accessing content on the go.

5. Stay Informed, Stay Compliant

Even if your agency doesn’t use ads or influencers, your team still needs to keep up with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) rules. Social media marketing regulations can change quickly, and unintentional violations can result in fines.

The standard also reminds us to check the license terms for stock photos and give proper credit when required. And don’t use any platforms or tools listed under the state’s prohibited software standard.

What This Means for Your Team

If your agency manages one or more social media accounts, it’s time to:

  • Review account security settings and update team access.
  • Choose an approved tool for archiving posts.
  • Draft or update your agency’s photo release and comment moderation policies.
  • Refresh your content process to include accessibility checks.
  • Stay in the loop on FTC and platform-specific guidelines.

These changes may take some adjustment, but they reinforce public trust and protect both constituents and agencies. By following these standards, we’re building safer, more inclusive digital spaces and strengthening our connection with the people we serve.

The first draft of this blog was generated using ChatGPT and edited by DSGa staff

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