Soldiers May Use Social Media, Conditions Applied: Reports

Youth dreaming to join the Indian Army will have to follow a ‘stringent rule’ connected with their behavior. In a significant change to its policy on the use of social media, the Army made it clear that soldiers and officers are allowed to use Instagram, for watching and monitoring only. Sources said the Army soldiers and officers can’t post like, or comment as other existing rules on digital activities for army personnel will remain in effect.

The instructions have been issued to every army unit and department. Army personnel can watch content on social media for their own awareness and to gather information. Soldiers will also be allowed to flag fake or misleading posts they find during browsing, to their senior officers.

It is significant to note that the Army has periodically issued guidelines on using social media platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and Instagram. Earlier, the use of social media was completely restricted for security reasons. Reports mentioned that in some cases, soldiers fell victim to honey traps set by foreign agencies that could lead to unintentional leakage of sensitive information.

In 2017, the then MoS for Defence Subhash Bhamre told Lok Sabha that these guidelines were created to protect information and prevent its misuse. Till 2019, army personnel were prevented from their presence on social media groups. Due to social media misuse, the army tightened the rules in 2020 and directed soldiers to delete 89 mobile apps, including Facebook and Instagram.

However, the army personnel were allowed the use of Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Quora, Telegram and WhatsApp, with stringent rules and monitoring. Also, the army has its own official social media accounts. The army personnel can view the content, upload their resumes or look for professional opportunities, but follow all the rules.

Apps and Information

According to the new policy, for apps like Skype, WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal, exchange of unclassified information of a general nature/contents have been permitted and contents should be exchanged only with known persons. Responsibility for correctly identifying the recipient lies with the user. For apps like YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Quora and Instagram, only passive participation to obtain knowledge/info has been permitted. Uploading of user-generated content/ messages etc. not permitted.

LinkedIn can be used only for uploading a resume for obtaining information on potential employees/employers.