Internet Guide for Politicians

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A guide on how to avoid becoming embroiled in internet controversy has been issued to every councillor in Scotland.

The move follows a series of recent rows over comments made by politicians and activists on web blogs and Twitter.

Councillors were also advised on how to use social networking sites to increase their presence in communities.

The 11-page document urged elected representatives to be honest, and to inform and entertain.

Published by local government body the Improvement Service, it warned councillors to carefully consider the implications of anything they were considering publishing on the internet.