[Withdrawn] LR18 provider memo: Use of Social Media
Updated 7 October 2019
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/specialist-employability-support-live-running-memos/lr18-provider-memo-use-of-social-media
This memo is for Specialist Employability Support (SES) providers.
Information
A number of concerns have recently been highlighted around Prime Providers tracking customers using Social Media.
This live running memo is to confirm the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) position in this respect.
Use of Social Media
When referring to Social Media we refer to the set of online technologies used to share opinions and experiences. Social Media for the purpose of this memo includes, but is not limited to, the following platforms:
- social networks like Facebook and LinkedIn which allow the user to connect (via profiles, groups) with other people of similar interests
- microblogs like Twitter which allow the user to provide short updates, follow users that they are interested in and build up a network of followers
- media sharing – allows users to upload, share and comment on various media such as pictures and video, YouTube and Flickr are 2 good examples of media sharing
- blogs and forums – allow online conversations by posting messages and comments, examples include Wordpress and Tumblr
- wikis – allow users to work collaboratively and add, modify or delete content to a shared website, Wikipedia is a good example of a wiki.
Action for providers
As a Prime Provider you must ensure that neither you nor any of your staff, or any of your supply chain, use official DWP, individual, professional, their own personal or any Social Media account on any Social Media platform to access, research, obtain or use any information about customers.
Furthermore you, as Prime Provider, must ensure that all of the provisions of DWP Provider Guidance – chapter 8: Information Security including (without limitation) paragraphs 38 and 39 regarding the use of Social Media are strictly adhered to.
We remind you that paragraph 39 clearly states that the use of Social Media to track customers is forbidden.
Further information and contact details
If you have any queries about this memo consult your Performance Manager in the first instance, or contact the SES policy team via: ses.policy@dwp.gov.uk.