Online Activities Policy

Updated September 15, 2025 EV

After many years of successfully using the online platforms for fraternal activities and answering many questions on which can be used and how, the Internet Technology Committee has revised the Online Activities Policy to better address the needs and security concerns of our leaders, local and national. The new system is mapped on a modified Traffic Light Protocol (TLP) for ease of use. 

If you wish to use a technology not mentioned, please contact tech@oto-usa.org to request an evaluation or assume it is only approved for Green-level events.

Green:    Type of Events: Open to the Public. 

Topic Restrictions: No degree discussions. No initiation symbolism. No Personal Identifying Information.

Approved Technologies: Google Meet, Zoom, Band, Slack, Discord, Signal, What’s App, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok.

Amber 1:  Type of Events: Members-only events, Minerval and above. General membership meetings.

Topic Restrictions: No initiation symbolism or performance. Discussions not suitable to the public. No Personal Identifying Information.

Approved Technologies: Google Meet, Band, Slack, or Discord, limited to invited attendees only

Amber 2: Type of Events: Committee meetings, specific attendance-restricted events, First Degree and above. (e.g. Education, Families, Leadership Training). Specific meetings. Discussions not suitable to the public.

Topic Restrictions: No initiation symbolism or performance.  No Personal Identifying Information.

Approved Technologies: Google Meet or Secure Discord, limited to invited attendees only

 Amber 3: Type of Events: Initiation discussions and rehearsals (scheduling details, AIT, symbolism reviews restricted by degree).

Topic Restrictions: see Guidelines for Online Degree Discussions (or request to view).

Approved Technologies: Google Meet with attendee registration, including an emailed security attestation (e.g. "I attest that I will make my viewing of this presentation secure, so as not to expose the audio or the screen images to anyone not holding the Fifth Degree.")

 Red: Type of Events: Governing Body meetings and local body officer meetings

Topic Restrictions: none (with sanction if required), digital space where Personal Identifying Information will be discussed. 

Approved Technologies: Google Meet with internal attendees only (e.g. person@oto-usa.org).