The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, has enacted a comprehensive social media policy that prohibits students, residents, and employees from using the institute's name or logo without written approval from the relevant departments. The directive aims to regulate online conduct and safeguard institutional integrity.
Key Provisions of the Policy
Student associations, societies, clubs, and organizing committees recognized by AIIMS are explicitly barred from posting, sharing, or discussing any patient information, images, or case details on social media platforms, even if the patient remains unidentified. This measure aligns with the Indian Medical Council Regulations, 2002, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, ensuring strict adherence to patient confidentiality and data privacy standards.
The policy further prohibits social media posts and forwarding of content that is harassing, threatening, or discriminatory. Students are also required to comply with the University Grants Commission (UGC) Regulations on ragging, reinforcing a safe and respectful environment.
Prohibited Content and Academic Integrity
According to the guidelines, users must not post obscene, defamatory, or hate speech content as per applicable laws. Plagiarism and academic dishonesty on social media platforms are strictly forbidden. Additionally, sharing exam questions, answer keys, or other confidential academic materials is prohibited, preserving the integrity of academic assessments.
Student bodies and employees managing official content must register their social media accounts with the concerned department and appoint a media coordinator as a point of contact for content approval. Accounts must clearly indicate whether the content is student-generated or department-generated and should state that it is not officially endorsed unless specified otherwise.
Compliance and Consequences
The policy mandates that content must not disclose confidential, sensitive, or internal information. Political, religious, or defamatory material is to be avoided. Sponsored content or collaborations with external brands require special clearance from the institute. Non-compliance with these guidelines may attract legal consequences or lead to the derecognition of students' associations, underscoring the seriousness of the policy.
Impact on the AIIMS Community
This policy is expected to foster responsible social media usage among the AIIMS community, protecting the institute's reputation and ensuring compliance with legal and ethical standards. By requiring written approval for the use of its name and logo, AIIMS aims to prevent misrepresentation and unauthorized endorsements. The emphasis on patient confidentiality and data protection highlights the institute's commitment to upholding medical ethics in the digital age.
