The Indian Army has officially rolled out a comprehensive policy dictating how its personnel can use popular social media and messaging applications. The guidelines, reported by ANI on Thursday based on information from defence officials, specify permitted activities on platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, and LinkedIn, aiming to balance utility with security.
What Does the New Policy Allow and Restrict?
The new framework categorizes applications and outlines clear do's and don'ts. For major social media platforms including YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Quora, and Instagram, the Army has mandated only passive use. This means personnel are allowed to access these sites solely for viewing content and gathering information.
Posting any user-generated content, comments, messages, or uploads on these platforms is strictly prohibited. The policy explicitly states for Instagram: "No comments/ views will be communicated," limiting its use to "purposes of viewing and monitoring only."
Rules for Messaging Apps and Professional Networking
The guidelines adopt a slightly different approach for messaging applications such as Skype, WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal. Personnel are permitted to use these services for exchanging unclassified information of a general nature.
However, the Army has added crucial caveats. Communication should be restricted strictly to known contacts. Furthermore, users are solely responsible for correctly identifying the recipients of their messages, placing the onus of secure communication on the individual soldier.
For the professional networking site LinkedIn, the policy is very specific. It may be used solely for uploading a résumé and for seeking information related to prospective employers or employees. Any use beyond these defined professional purposes is not permitted under the new rules.
Implications and Rationale Behind the Move
This structured policy reflects the Army's ongoing efforts to navigate the digital age while safeguarding operational security and preventing data leaks. By allowing passive consumption on information-heavy platforms and controlled communication on messaging apps, the institution acknowledges the utility of these tools for knowledge and personal connectivity.
Simultaneously, the strict ban on active posting on social media and the emphasis on user responsibility for messaging seek to mitigate risks associated with oversharing, misinformation, and potential targeting by hostile entities. The clear, platform-specific rules provide personnel with unambiguous boundaries for their online conduct.
