Online & Social Media Security Information for Candidates
Updated 30 April 2025
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This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/security-guidance-for-may-2021-elections/social-media-security-information-for-candidates
Most online and social media companies provide advice about online security. This includes guidance on how to secure your account and how to report incidents of online abuse, harassment and intimidation.
Please note that social media platforms regularly review and update their guidance.
1. Meta
Meta (which owns Facebook, Instagram and Whatsapp) provides:
- Guidance for political candidates
- General guidance on online safety
- Specific guidance on reporting abusive content or behaviour
- Guidance on getting started and requesting a verified badge on Facebook
- Guidance on getting started and requesting a verified badge on Instagram
2. X
X provides:
- General guidance on online safety
- Civic integrity policies
- Quick links to safety and security guidance
- Guidance on how to report offensive content and abuse
- How to verify your account
3. Google
Google (which owns Youtube) provides:
- Specific guidance from YouTube about support for civic integrity
- Guidance on how to report inappropriate content
4. TikTok
- Community Guidelines on Integrity and Authenticity
- TikTok’s Safety Centre
- Direct Reporting Function
- How to verify your account
5. Linkedin
- Links to resources on privacy and security controls for candidates
- LinkedIn professional community policies