CSB guidelines prohibit government employees from including job titles and contact info in profiles

TDT | Manama

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The Civil Service Bureau (CSB) has issued new social media guidelines for government employees, placing a strong emphasis on the responsible use of online platforms.

A key element of these guidelines is a ban on including job titles and contact information in personal social media profiles.

However, if an employee is a public figure whose position is widely known, a disclaimer must be added stating that online activities and comments reflect only their personal views and do not represent the official position of their government agency.

The guidelines, published on the CSB’s Instagram account, aim to clarify acceptable online behaviour for government employees using platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram.

Moreover, employees are instructed to engage with social media in a polite and factual manner, refraining from posting messages or articles that could negatively reflect on their workplace, superiors, the government, or any other entity.

Decency and conduct Unacceptable behavior includes violating general standards of decency and conduct, engaging in rude or inappropriate behavior, acting unethically, or misusing one’s position to harm individuals or religious groups.

The CSB stated that it reserves the right to take appropriate action against any employee who misuses social media. The CSB’s directive underscores the importance of separating personal online identities from official government roles.

Reputation The prohibition on including job titles and contact details in personal profiles is designed to protect both individual employees and the government’s reputation.

This measure aims to prevent the potential misuse of official information and to avoid any confusion between personal opinions and official government stances.

The CSB’s updated guidelines reflect a proactive approach to managing the online presence of government employees, aiming to balance personal expression with the need to maintain professional standards and protect sensitive information.