ASD Social Media – Terms of use | Australian Signals Directorate

1. Terms of use

The Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) is a vital member of Australia’s national security community. ASD works across the full spectrum of operations required of contemporary signals intelligence and security agencies. This includes intelligence, cyber security and offensive cyber operations in support of the Australian Government and Australian Defence Force (ADF). ASD utilises social media to provide advice and connect with people.

ASD’s Social Media Terms of Use applies to all of the ASD’s social media channels (listed below). ASD manages its social media channels in accordance with these Terms of Use. We encourage any persons who use ASD’s social media channels (Users) to familiarise themselves with these Terms of Use before contributing. These terms should be read in addition to any policies or terms and conditions imposed by third-party social media sites.

Users who transmit, publish, post, upload, distribute, disseminate or otherwise make available data, text, sound, photographs, graphics, images, videos, messages or other materials (User Content) agree that their access to, and use of the ASD's social media channels is subject to these Terms of Use, the rules of the social media channels and all applicable Australian laws, and that any such access or use is undertaken at their own risk.

ASD reserves the right to alter these Terms of Use at any time. Users should review the Terms of Use each time they provide User Content on SD’s social media channels. If Users continue to participate in ASD’s social media following any modification, they will be considered to have accepted the modified Terms of Use.

2. Following and sharing

ASD may engage with third parties by 'liking' or 'sharing' content across its social media channels. Following is not an endorsement of that third party. Individuals and organisations choosing to follow ASD may be followed in return. Any persons may request that ASD stop following them by emailing asd.socialmedia@defence.gov.au.

3. Responding and moderating to enquiries

ASD’s social media channels are monitored during business hours (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm AEST/AEDT, excluding public holidays and between Christmas and New Year’s Day) and we endeavour to respond to comments and messages within 2-3 business days. ASD reserves the right to remove any content that it deems unsuitable, and to block any Users who severely or consistently violate these Terms of Use.

Social media responses may be relatively informal. If persons seek a formal response, please contact the ASD via the contact us page.

4. Guidance for all contributors

When contributing questions and comments, all Users are expected to:

Protect their personal privacy and that of others by not including personal information about themselves or others (such as names, email addresses, private addresses or phone numbers). Posts or comments containing personal information will be hidden or removed.
Not include links to websites or email addresses in posts.
Post material that is relevant to the topics and issues being discussed, particularly if they are seeking a response from ASD.
Represent their own views and do not impersonate or falsely represent any other person.
Acknowledge that content posted by ASD on its social media channels is general in nature and must not be taken as advice relating to individual specific circumstances.
Acknowledge that any information they provide on ASD’s social media channels will be treated as non-confidential and non-proprietary.

We will never respond to, but may report to the relevant social media authority, and/or any appropriate law enforcement authorities, remove, disable or block posts or Users that:

Abuse, harass or threaten others.
Racially or religiously vilify others.
Is unlawful, fraudulent, misleading or malicious.
Incite, induce or aid violence, discriminate, harass, victimise or provoke hatred towards others, or are likely to offend, insult or humiliate others, particularly on the basis of their race, colour, descent, national origin, religion, ethnicity, gender, age, marital or domestic status, sexual orientation or any disability.
Make defamatory or libellous comments or make accusations against individuals or organisations.
Use insulting, provocative or hateful language or images.
Use obscene or offensive language or images.
Use material that infringes the copyright or intellectual property rights of others.
Promote commercial interests, or offers to sell any goods or services, contains spam or any other unsolicited commercial message
Link to external non-government websites.
Post material that is irrelevant to the topic or material that is being discussed.
Promote personal and professional interests.
Are overtly party political (e.g. reference to candidates, fundraisers, support for political parties).
Incite, encourage or make reference to conduct that may constitute a criminal or civil offence or otherwise violate Australian law.

ASD may also take other action, including legal action, if it considers it to be appropriate.

ASD encourages open and honest discussions whilst being respectful of other Users. Content posted on ASD’s social media channels are provided by, and are the responsibility of, the Users who create it. ASD does not endorse, support or guarantee the truthfulness, accuracy or reliability of User content on its social media channels.

5. Contact

For general or media enquiries contact ASD’s media team via the contact us page.

Important

In administering ASD’s social media channels, ASD:

Records all information posted to ASD social media accounts and uses that information for the purpose of administering its social media presence and considering and/or addressing any comments made or where required by law. ASD will only use and disclose personal information posted, or otherwise communicated using the social media channels in the manner authorised or required by law.
Makes reasonable efforts to ensure inappropriate material is identified and moderated. ASD does not guarantee that all inappropriate material will be identified.
Disclaims all warranties, whether express or implied, and to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, will not be liable for any losses or damages arising from, or connected to, the publication of content, the failure to moderate content, or the use of (or reliance on) content by a User of the social media channels.

Do not use ASD or the Australian Cyber Security Centre’s (ACSC) social media channels to report a cyber security incident. Contact the ACSC directly on 1300 CYBER1 (1300 292 371) or lodge a report through ReportCyber.