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Rio Blanco County staff raise privacy, liability concerns about using personal Facebook accounts for county work
Summary
County staff told an internal workgroup they are stepping back from sharing personal social-media accounts for county business because of authenticity concerns and liability; no formal policy change was recorded.
Rio Blanco County staff members discussed whether county business should be conducted through staff personal Facebook accounts, saying some employees have reduced personal posting because their accounts are tied to government work. "They want to know that they're dealing with an authentic human," Staff member 1, a Rio Blanco County staff member, said.
The discussion focused on two practical concerns: staff privacy and potential liability from linking personal social-media profiles to county duties. "It's uncomfortable knowing that, you know, you're having to... I'd have to put my personal information, access something for the county. It's gonna be the county's information," Staff member 2, a Rio Blanco County staff member, said. "I wish that they didn't do that, but I understand the reason for that." Staff members also explained that, because the county is small, separating personal and professional online identities can be difficult.
Participants described informal steps employees have taken, including limiting personal posts and separating professional access from personal profiles. One participant joked about using an anonymous account name — "Donald Duckster" — to illustrate a desire for a neutral identity rather than a personal one.
No formal motion or policy decision was recorded in the transcript. The comments were framed as staff experience and advice for internal practice rather than an approved change to county policy.
