How long do records of social media need to be kept for?

Social media record retention guidance

There is no single retention period for social media records as this is determined by the purpose, content, use or outcome of the communication, and not the format.

Agencies should consult relevant general and functional retention and disposal authorities to determine the appropriate actions for their social media records. Disposal classes do not usually specify social media as they represent a format, not a category.

Below are examples of how disposal classes cover social media records:

• general promotional social media records are covered under the General retention and disposal authority: administrative records (Community relations - Marketing - 2.14.2). These records include:
  • background research
  • draft and final versions of information published on websites, blogs, or social media
  • publications promoting organisational activities, such as posters, brochures, or histories These records should be retained until they are withdrawn, superseded, or no longer needed for reference.
• official social media accounts of Ministers are covered by the General retention and disposal authority: records of a Minister's Office (GDA13 1.14). These records, considered media releases or statements, are required as State archives.
• social media records used by agencies during emergency management are covered under functional authorities. For example, when the Rural Fire Service uses social media to communicate during a bushfire, the records are classified under FA445: Records relating to fire and emergency management. These records must be retained as State archives or for a minimum of 25 years, depending on the incident.