OSC Issues Guidance on Hatch Act, Federal Workers’ Use of Facebook, Twitter

Given the widespread use of social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter, the U.S. Office of Special Counsel has issued an advisory opinion providing guidance on how they may be used by different types of federal employees, as well as federal agencies, to express political opinions.

The question-and-answer format guidance addresses the following topics with respect to federal employees:

• blogs expressing support for or opposition to political candidates;
• listing “political views” on Facebook if the employee also provides his or her official government title on his or her profile;
• advocating for or against a political party, group, or candidate ...