In a shift from longstanding restrictions, the Indian Army has introduced a new social media policy allowing limited usage for its personnel. The updated guidelines, which have been disseminated to all departments and units, permit soldiers to view content on platforms like Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). However, active engagement such as posting, commenting, liking, sharing or sending messages remains strictly prohibited.
The move marks a departure from the blanket ban that previously prevented soldiers from accessing social media platforms due to security concerns. The new policy aims to improve situational awareness and help personnel identify misinformation, without compromising operational security. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi emphasized the importance of a measured approach, stating, "We don't react, we respond," highlighting that soldiers should refrain from online engagement until after retirement.
Under the revised policy, Instagram has been formally included in the list of restricted-use social media platforms. Access to applications like Instagram is permitted only for "purposes of viewing and monitoring". The Army order explicitly states that "No comments or views will be communicated on Instagram," reinforcing the emphasis on protecting sensitive information.
The guidelines also permit limited use of communication platforms such as Skype, Telegram, WhatsApp, and Signal, but solely for exchanging unclassified information of a general nature with known individuals. Users bear the responsibility of verifying the recipient's identity. For platforms including YouTube, X, Quora, and Instagram, only passive use to access information or gain knowledge is authorized. Uploading user-generated content or engaging in any form of active participation remains prohibited. LinkedIn may be used for professional purposes such as uploading résumés or seeking information related to prospective employers or employees.
The revised policy also advises personnel to avoid generic websites, portals offering cracked or pirated software, free movie platforms, torrent and VPN services, web proxies, anonymized websites, chat rooms, and file-sharing platforms. It further cautions that cloud-based data storage services should be used only with extreme care.
The Army's new approach to social media reflects a balance between leveraging the informational benefits of these platforms and maintaining stringent security protocols. By allowing passive participation, the Army seeks to keep its personnel informed and aware of current events while mitigating the risks associated with active engagement and potential information leaks. All previous rules regarding digital activities and online behavior remain fully in effect. In July 2020, the Indian Army directed all officers and soldiers to delete their Facebook and Instagram accounts, along with 89 mobile applications, warning of strict action for non-compliance. The revised guidelines, issued by the Army Headquarters through the Directorate General of Military Intelligence (DGMI), have come into effect immediately. Soldiers are also encouraged to report fake or misleading posts to their officers or higher authorities, which might help tackle disinformation or harmful narratives.
