A comprehensive guide to responsible online engagement and operational security.
The Indian Army has implemented a new social media policy, issued by the Directorate General of Military Intelligence (DGMI), to guide personnel in responsible and secure online engagement. This policy balances digital awareness with operational security, aiming to safeguard sensitive information and protect personnel from adversarial exploitation, including “honey-trapping.” It represents an evolution from earlier, more restrictive measures.
Key Provisions of the Indian Army Social Media Policy
The updated policy provides stringent, clear guidelines for personnel on various social media platforms, with the core objective of preventing classified information leakage and maintaining the armed forces’ integrity in the digital sphere. It addresses evolving threats like cyber warfare and psychological operations.
Platform-Specific Guidelines
Instagram:
Permitted for viewing and monitoring content only. All active participation (posting, commenting, sharing, reacting, messaging, uploading) is strictly prohibited. Engagement must be passive.
WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and Skype:
Can be used for exchanging unclassified, general information with known individuals. Users are responsible for correctly identifying recipients. This reflects a relaxation from earlier periods (e.g., 2024) when WhatsApp was reportedly barred for official use due to surveillance concerns.
YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), and Quora:
Allowed for passive use (viewing content, gaining knowledge). Uploading user-generated content, posting messages, or any active participation is strictly prohibited. For X, personnel are advised against replying until after retirement, promoting a “Respond, Don’t React” philosophy.
LinkedIn:
Permitted solely for uploading resumes and seeking information related to potential employers or employees. Prior permission from DGMI may be required for specific activities.
Broader Security Directives and Prohibitions
General prohibitions and warnings are in place to protect personnel and sensitive information from digital threats.
Prohibited Online Activities
Accessing generic websites and sites offering cracked or pirated software is strongly advised against due to high-security risks (malware, phishing, data breaches).
Free movie platforms, torrent, and VPN software are prohibited.
Web proxies, anonymized websites, and chat rooms are forbidden.
File-sharing sites are not allowed.
Cloud-based data storage platforms should be used with extreme caution due to potential vulnerabilities.
Identity Protection Directives
Prohibited:
Posting pictures of themselves in uniform on social media.
Prohibited:
Revealing identity details such as rank, regiment, or place of posting.
This is to prevent personnel from becoming targets for intelligence gathering or nefarious purposes.
Violations of “view-only” safeguards and general prohibitions will be treated as serious breaches of military discipline. This policy replaces the absolute ban implemented in July 2020, which required personnel to delete 89 mobile applications, acknowledging the need for a more adaptable framework.
The updated policy is a thoughtful adaptation to modern information age challenges, empowering personnel to engage digitally while robustly protecting national security and individual safety. Adherence is critical for maintaining operational readiness and safeguarding the integrity of India’s armed forces.
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