New regulatory preparation for public employees' social media revenues
With the study covering approximately 4 million civil servants and 1.3 million workers, warnings and disciplinary penalties are planned for public personnel who generate commercial income from social media.
A new regulatory preparation has been initiated regarding public personnel generating commercial income through social media. In the process concerning approximately 4 million civil servants and 1.3 million public workers, it is on the agenda to issue warnings in the first stage, and to apply disciplinary penalties such as salary deductions and stoppage of step advancement if the warnings are not heeded.
Social Media Revenues Being Examined
A new regulatory preparation regarding the use of social media by public personnel has come to the agenda. The activities of public employees who generate commercial-natured income through social media platforms are expected to be examined and, when necessary, warned through relevant institutions.
It is stated that the work on the agenda was shaped by expanding the scope following the process previously initiated regarding the social media activities of academics.
Scope Expands After Academics
The process drew attention with the warning made by the Presidency regarding the social media activities of academics. In the evaluation in question, it was stated that generating income via social media could in some cases be evaluated within the scope of commercial activity.
Following this, a study was also initiated by the Council of Higher Education, and it was decided that the examination preparation concerning approximately 4 million public personnel and 1.3 million public workers should also cover other employees.
Warnings for Those Generating Commercial Earnings
Within the scope of the regulation on the agenda, it is planned to send letters to institutions regarding public employees who generate commercial earnings through social media. It is requested that public personnel be informed through the letters to be prepared.
In this context, public employees who regularly generate income from social media platforms and whose activities have a commercial nature are expected to be put under the microscope.
No Direct Penalty in the First Stage
In the first stage of the work on the agenda, it is planned to warn public employees instead of directly applying disciplinary penalties. Personnel will be notified that their activities need to be evaluated.
However, it is stated that if commercial-natured social media activities are continued despite the warnings made, the disciplinary process can be initiated within the scope of the relevant legislation.
Disciplinary Sanctions on the Agenda
Disciplinary sanctions may come to the agenda for public employees who continue to generate commercial income through social media. Salary deductions are among the sanctions that can be applied.
Additionally, disciplinary penalties such as the stoppage of step advancement are also present; therefore, it is important for public employees to carefully evaluate their activities.