Social Media
Social Media Terms and Conditions of Use
Introduction
The following terms and conditions govern the use of social networking sites managed by Halton Region. By using and/or visiting these sites, users agree to abide by the following terms and conditions, and Halton Region advises that all users read them carefully.
1. Social Media Disclaimer
For the most part, user comments and messages posted to Halton Region's official social networking sites are considered transitory records and will not be kept as a permanent record by Halton Region. By using Halton Region's social networking sites, users acknowledge and consent that their comments or messages may become part of the public record and used in official Halton Region documentation. It is at Halton Region’s sole discretion which comments will be archived or used.
Images and comments posted by third parties do not necessarily represent the views of Halton Region. Halton Region cannot and does not guarantee users privacy on third party social networking websites, as users are subject to the terms and conditions of the specific application on that website. Users should review and agree to the third party terms and conditions prior to participating.
Halton Region will not be responsible for any losses or damages suffered as a result of using third party social networking websites. Users participate at their own risk and for their own benefit, and in so doing accept that they have no right of action against Halton Region related to such use.
A link between Halton Region's social networking site and any other website does not imply an endorsement or sponsorship by Halton Region of that website, or the creator of that website.
2. Hours of Operation
Halton Region is committed to operating its social networking sites as an effective method of communication with interested users. Sites will be monitored during Halton Region’s regular business hours of Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ET.
3. Conduct
Halton Region reserves the right to edit, modify, and/or remove comments or content containing any of the following:
(a) Comments not topically related to the particular site being commented upon;
(b) Profane language or content;
(c) Content that promotes, fosters or perpetuates discrimination on the basis of race, creed, colour, age, religion, gender, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, national origin, physical or mental disability or sexual orientation;
(d) Inappropriate sexual content or links to such content;
(e) Solicitations of commerce;
(f) Conduct or encouragement of illegal activity;
(g) Information that may tend to compromise the safety or security of the public or public systems;
(h) Confidential information;
(i) Personal information or personal health information of others;
(j) Content that violates legal ownership interests of any other party;
(k) Materials that are owned/copyrighted by Halton Region, including but not limited to images, screen shots, video, and any other Regional information on a social media website unless approved by Halton Region;
(l) Materials licensed to Halton Region by a third party, including but not limited to purchased images and consultant reports on a social media website; and
(m) All copyrighted material.
Users may not use The Regional Municipality of Halton name or any other such moniker of Halton Region to endorse or promote any product, opinion, cause or political candidate. Representation of users’ personal opinions as institutionally endorsed by Halton Region is strictly prohibited.
Halton Region may monitor social networking content for factuality and appropriateness and will make all reasonable efforts to ensure that the content it posts is accurate at the time of posting. However, it is in the nature of social networking communications that accuracy and timeliness are not guaranteed and may not be reliable; as such, users acknowledge that Halton Region makes no such guarantees. Further, Halton Region is not responsible for the authenticity or suitability of content posted to its social networking sites by others.
In the event of a discrepancy between the information contained on this website and the information contained in the records of Halton Region, the information contained in the records of Halton Region shall be deemed accurate.
4. Privacy
Halton Region will adhere to all applicable legislation regarding privacy and freedom of information. Halton Region is subject to Ontario’s Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. M.56 ("MFIPPA"), as amended and other privacy legislation.
Users should be aware that personal and other information contained in electronic correspondence (or printed versions thereof) which are directed to Halton Region are subject to MFIPPA and may be deemed releasable under this legislation, and that the anonymity or confidentiality of the sender and any information contained within the correspondence cannot be guaranteed.
5. Use of Collected Information
Halton Region does not collect information for commercial or marketing purposes, nor does it sell, exchange, or otherwise distribute information collected through its use of social networking sites for commercial or marketing purposes.
Halton Region will not, under any circumstances, use any information provided by users for any purpose that is inconsistent with the purpose for which the information was provided, as stated on the social networking site.
6. Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Liability
Halton Region’s social networking sites are provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis. Halton Region makes no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, as to the sites’ operation or the information, content or materials included on these sites. Halton Region will not be liable for any damages of any kind arising from the use of or inability to use these sites. Users expressly agree to use these sites solely at their own risk.
7. Modification of Terms and Conditions of Use
Halton Region reserves the right to change, at any time, and at the Region’s sole discretion, the terms and conditions of use. Please refer back to this page often to review these terms and conditions. Continued use of the social networking sites constitutes a user’s agreement to all such terms and conditions.
8. Contact Details
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:
Halton Region
1151 Bronte Road
Oakville, ON
L6M 3L1
Call 311 or 905-825-6000
Toll free: 1-866-4HALTON (1-866-442-5866)
TTY: 905-827-9833