Request to RA: Review 'official' media channels

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Callipygian
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Request to RA: Review 'official' media channels

Post by Callipygian »

The SC requests that the RA review the ALL forms of social media currently in use in CDS and consider a law, or revisions to current laws, that specify:

*what social media channels are considered to be 'official' CDS channels of communication

*who, if anyone, should have permissions to access those social media channels, in addition to the Executive team

* whom should any option for 'recovery' of passwords reside with ( since separating this holder from the other holders of passwords acts as a fail-safe)

Rationale:

A number of the social media channels did not exist when current laws were created. Various citizens have created accounts over time and there has been a general freedom of use attached to many of these channels. While this may or may not be have been appropriate, it has led to situations where previous access has now been removed with no warning or explanation why. It is not the duty of the SC to mediate access to passwords, or to decide what channels are official.

The current Executive has chosen to limit access in many cases, based on his belief that it is his duty to guard these channels. The laws state who *must* hold various passwords; the Chancellor interprets this to mean 'no one else can'. It may be reasonable to establish that 'must' does not preclude others from having access.

In addition, this debate over passwords has led to a number of misunderstandings and refusals of access that people believed they are , or were, entitled to.

As an example, the Chancellor has refused to allow the SC secretary/archivist access to the CDS calendar. While that may be within his powers, he has not identified which member/s of his PIO team ARE responsible for the calendar or for the various other PIO duties, as per CDSL 13-01 Public Information Act, even after repeated request.

The SC is happy to perform its duty of interpreting laws, but this would be greatly assisted by the existence of laws that are unambiguous in this matter.

People often say that, in a democracy, decisions are made by a majority of the people. Of course, that is not true. Decisions are made by a majority of those who make themselves heard and who vote -- a very different thing.

Walter H. Judd
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