Social media policy

1. The context and Istat’s social media activity

The National Institute of Statistics publishes institutional content on its website (www.istat.it) and is present on social media (X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, etc.) to fulfil its Mission of serving the community through the production and communication of high-quality statistical information, analyses, and forecasts. These are carried out with full autonomy and based on rigorous ethical-professional principles and the most advanced scientific standards, in order to develop an in-depth understanding of Italy’s environmental, economic, and social reality at various territorial levels and to facilitate decision-making processes for all members of society (citizens, public administrators, media, entrepreneurs, researchers, etc.).

The Social Media Policy is the code of conduct that governs the relationship on the internet, particularly on social media, between the organisation and its employees (Internal Social Media Policy) and between the organisation and its users (External Social Media Policy).

2. Content published on social channels

2.a. As with all institutional communication content, the content of communication shared through social networks is governed by Article 1, paragraph 5 of Law no. 150/2000, and, specifically, it is intended to:

• illustrating and promoting knowledge of statistical information produced by Istat
• illustrating Istat’s activities and its operations;
• facilitating access to public services provided by Istat, promoting awareness of them;
• promoting broad and in-depth knowledge on topics of significant public and social interest;
• promoting the image of the administration, giving knowledge and visibility to events of local, regional, national, and international importance.

2.b. The content developed based on the principles outlined in the previous point 2.a, the communication methods, and timings are detailed in an annual editorial plan, within the Institute’s annual communication plan.

The National Institute of Statistics disseminates content and statistical information on social networks, as established by the European Statistical Programme (ESP) and the National Statistical Programme (NSP), in the form of press releases, publications, reports, and infographics. Furthermore, it uses social networks to promote and disseminate statistical culture through ad hoc products. Finally, social networks are used for communicating events, demonstrations, and public initiatives organised by Istat or in which Istat participates.

The management of Istat’s institutional social networks is entrusted to the Central Directorate for Communication, Information, and Services to Citizens and Users.

3. Rules of use, conversation (netiquette) and moderation

1. Everyone has the right to freely express their opinion through comments and published posts, provided that the essential requirement is the public interest of the topics and communication etiquette.
2. It is not possible in any way to use Istat’s social media spaces for personal needs and purposes.
3. When using Istat’s social media spaces, the rules of correct behaviour, respect for others’ opinions and privacy must be observed.
4. Comments must relate to the topic discussed; therefore, so-called ‘off-topic’ comments, i.e. irrelevant ones, will be removed by the social media editorial team.
5. Moderation of Istat’s social media channels occurs retrospectively and is solely aimed at containing, within reasonably expected times and methods, any behaviour contrary to the rules of use.
6. The Institute reserves the right to remove, according to the procedures provided by the managed channel, messages considered spam, out of context (off-topic) and/or offensive. References to facts or details lacking public relevance, violent, offensive or discriminatory attitudes regarding gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, personal beliefs, ethnic origin, disability are not permitted. Insults, vulgarity, offences, threats are not tolerated under any circumstances, as well as forms of advertising, spam or promotion of private interests or illegal activities. Interventions of this nature will be promptly removed.
7. Istat will ban or block the user (where possible after a first warning) who violates the policy rules and will send a report to the platform managers and, if necessary, to the competent Authorities.
8. Messages containing personal data (email addresses, phone numbers, etc.) will be removed to protect the individuals concerned.
9. Content that infringes copyright law, or involve the unauthorised use of registered trademarks is not permitted.
10. Social media channels are systematically moderated from Monday to Friday, from 09:00 to 19:00. The extension of the conversation moderation service during other hours and on other days will still be guaranteed for urgent interventions.
11. Social networks are not user support channels (for which other dedicated services exist). The official ways to contact the Institute are indicated in the “contacts” section of the website. Should users request it, they will be directed to Istat’s official public relations channels.
12. Those who follow Istat’s social media channels are not automatically followed back. However, an analysis of followers is systematically carried out, with the aim of gaining greater awareness regarding the recipients of Istat’s messages and adopting appropriate communication methods and content.

In relation to the rules on generalised civic access (commonly known as FOIA), the staff promotes and enhances collaborative dialogue with social media user communities, according to the guidance of Circular 2/2017 of the Department for Public Administration.

4. Rules of conduct for ambassadors and/or influencers

1. The ambassadors may share content created by Istat, along with the related pre-established hashtags provided by Istat. The social media editorial team will supply the aforementioned ambassadors and/or influencers with the content to be shared, in alignment with the target social media platform and in compliance with the principles stated so far.
2. The content producer guarantees that no personal data, company materials, or confidential or copyright-protected information are cited.
3. When preparing and sharing content, it must be specified whether one is speaking on behalf of Istat and who the main stakeholders are, i.e., undertakings, citizens, institutions. Since any message expressed will be associated with an official position of the entity, there is a commitment to always state transparently what has been previously defined with Istat and to foster knowledge enhancement and the promotion of positive values.
4. The language must always adapt to the style of the social media platform used. The ambassador must not publish content that could damage the Institute’s reputation.

5. Accessibility

Each social media platform is responsible for the level of computer science accessibility guaranteed to its users. Istat commits to prioritising, based on what is allowed by each social media platform, the use of accessible features and content.