The 12-word social media policy

As federal agencies struggle with social media policies that can facilitate a flow of information without tarnishing an agency's public image, a blogger from the health care industry offers 12 magic words that might do the trick. They even rhyme, creating an aid to memorization.

Dr. Farris Timimi, medical director for the Mayo Clinic Center for Social Media, proposed the 12-word social media policy in a blog post on April 5. It might help feds because, like agencies, health care organizations deal with sensitive information, rules regarding disclosure of information and a need to protect their reputations.

The 12 words are:

Don't lie, don't pry,

Don't cheat, can't delete,

Don't steal, don't reveal.

To read Dr. Timimi's more detailed explanation of what these six two-word directives entail, click here to read his blog.