Social media are widely used today in science communication and outreach and to engage with communities around the world. Information about CERN – both accurate and inaccurate – can travel the globe in seconds. To support everyone who uses social media to talk about their work at (or related to) CERN in this shifting digital landscape, we have updated the CERN Social Media Guidelines. They apply to all CERN contributors: staff members, graduates, associates, apprentices, users, students and contractors.

With a strong foundation in CERN’s values, Code of Conduct, Computing Rules and Staff Rules and Regulations, the new guidelines offer clear advice on how to share personal and professional information responsibly, safeguard CERN’s reputation, ensure users’ own digital safety and contribute positively to online discussions. They encourage users to:

• Protect CERN’s e-reputation by following the Code of Conduct, Computing Rules and Data Privacy Protection Policy;
• Respect confidentiality and data privacy principles;
• Be transparent and accurate, identifying personal opinions clearly and correcting mistakes promptly;
• Make your content accessible and inclusive, avoid scientific jargon when addressing a broad audience, and ensure that information is factually correct and up to date;
• Be cautious with external endorsements, and seek advice from the CERN Social Media team when in doubt;
• Use generative AI tools responsibly, ensuring transparency and respect for privacy and data protection.

For departments, experiments and projects managing or wanting to manage institutional accounts, the guidelines also provide instructions on authorisation, branding, content strategy and evaluation, ensuring that CERN’s collective digital voice remains consistent and trustworthy.

We count on your support to make CERN’s online presence as open, respectful and inspiring as our Laboratory.

A note on CERN’s Twitter/X presence: while some organisations have stepped back from certain platforms, CERN continues to maintain a presence on Twitter (now X). The platform remains a space where CERN’s voice contributes meaningfully to global science communication and to addressing misinformation/disinformation.

Read the full CERN Social Media Guidelines on the Admin e-guide (CERN login required).

Do you have a story that you would like to see on CERN social media? Contact the team at: social.media@cern.ch

Are you following CERN on social media? Connect with us via these links.