The British Government now encourages employees to use Twitter, after Neil Williams, head of corporate digital channels for Britain's Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), published the 20-page "template" strategy explaining the importance of the micro blogging site and how government officials should use it, according to the UK Press Association.

Twitter is already in use by several of Britain's government departments, including Downing Street, the Foreign Office and individual Members of Parliament.

Williams called the 20-page tweetorial "a bit over the top for a tool like Twitter," but noted that he "was surprised by just how much there is to say -- and quite how worth saying it is."

The strategy also notes that government employees should use Twitter to publish two to 10 tweets per day, not including replies to other Twitter. The guidelines caution, however, that tweets and Twitter use should be limited to relevant issues or upcoming events. The strategy also encourages campaign messages and insights from ministries.

Additionally, the British Twitter guidelines caution against following any Twitter user who does not follow the government department to avoid the government's Twitter use being perceived as "Big Brother" activity.

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