Indian Army relaxes social media rules, allows browsing for viewing and monitoring without posting anything, messaging apps allowed for unclassified information

AI generated image

The Indian Army has updated its social media rules, now letting soldiers and officers use Instagram just to look and keep tabs on things. They can’t post anything, like posts, or leave comments; all the old strict rules still apply. These new instructions went out to every unit and department, mainly so that troops can stay aware and spot useful info online. Soldiers can even flag fake or misleading stuff to their senior officers.

What are the guidelines for different social media apps 

The army has been putting out guidelines on platforms like Facebook, X (old Twitter), and Instagram for years, mostly for security. There have been cases where soldiers got caught in honey traps by foreign spies, accidentally leaking sensitive info. 

For Apps like Skype, WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal- Exchange of unclassified information of a general nature /contents have been permitted. Contents to be exchanged only with known persons. Responsibility for correctly identifying the recipient lies with the user. 

For 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 to obtain information on potential employees/employers.

Recently, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi talked about this at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue. Someone asked how the army deals with young Gen Z recruits who are glued to their phones, and if there’s a way to blend social media into army life without risks.

General Dwivedi stressed the difference between reacting and responding. Reacting is firing off a quick reply without thinking. Responding means analysing first, then answering smartly. So, the army tells soldiers: view X or other platforms, but don’t reply now, save it for after retirement. This sends a strong message to enemies: we don’t knee-jerk, we plan our moves.

Back in 2017, then Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre told Parliament these rules protect info from misuse.

From total ban to limited access 

Till 2019, no army personnel could join any social media group. In 2020, after misuse cases, they had to delete 89 apps like Facebook and Instagram. Still, some platforms got the green light with heavy monitoring: Facebook, YouTube, X, LinkedIn, Quora, Telegram, and WhatsApp. Now with the update, soldiers can browse for news, upload resumes, or job hunt, but only by following every security rule to the letter.

During Operation Sindoor, the army’s official handles were the go-to for real info. While Pakistani X accounts buzzed early about action in Bahawalpur and Kotli, the Indian Army confirmed details at 1:51 am, keeping everyone straight.

Written by OpIndia Staff
Last modified at