Social media is an integral part of Department of Defense operations. This site is designed to help OSD community manage records and information posted to or created using both public and government owned social media sites and other Internet-based Capabilities (IbC) effectively in an official capacities.
DoDI 8550.01, Defines Internet-based Capabilities as:
All information capabilities and applications available across the Internet in locations owned, operated, or controlled by the DoD. DoD Internet services include collaborative tools such as websites, social networking, social media, user generated content, social software, e-mail, and instant messaging and discussion forums delivered through a variety of platforms and presentation mediums.
44 USC Chapter 33, 3301a(1) and (2) Defines records as
(1) All recorded information, regardless of form or characteristics, made or received by a Federal agency under Federal law or in connection with the transaction of public business and preserved or appropriate for preservation by that agency or its legitimate successor as evidence of the organization, functions, policies, decisions, procedures, operations, or other activities of the United States Government or because of the informational value of data in them.
(2) RECORDED INFORMATION DEFINED.— For purposes of paragraph (1), the term ´recorded´ information includes all traditional forms of records, regardless of physical form or characteristics, including information created, manipulated, communicated, or stored in digital or electronic form.
The information DoD Employees, contractors or military personnel post on behalf of OSD Components, Defense Agencies and Field Activities are records. Records have an intrinsic value to DoD and are vital to its day-to-day operation. DoD employees are instrumental in assuring the records and information posted to or created on Social Media platforms are maintained in a manner that promotes accountability, security and protection, availability, disposition and transparency.