No post, no like, no comment! Army changed social media policy, Instagram for soldiers is now only for monitoring

New Delhi: The Indian Army has made an important change in its policy regarding social media and has imposed new restrictions on the use of Instagram. Now army soldiers and officers will be able to use this platform only for viewing and monitoring purposes. They will neither be able to share any post nor will they be able to like or comment on any post.

According to sources, all the rules already applicable regarding digital activities will remain in place. These instructions have been issued to all units and departments of the army. The move is aimed at keeping soldiers aware of the content on social media and enabling them to identify fake or misleading content, so as to increase vigilance against information warfare and disinformation.

Only viewing allowed, no comments

Under the new system, army soldiers will be able to view only content on Instagram. If they see any fake, misleading or suspicious post, they will be able to inform their superiors. However, no public feedback, likes or comments will be allowed.

Strict rules are already in force on social media

The Indian Army has been issuing guidelines from time to time regarding the use of platforms like Facebook, X and Instagram. Strict restrictions have already been imposed on social media due to security reasons.

reason for strictness

In the background of these strict rules, many such cases have come to light, where sensitive information was unknowingly leaked from some soldiers after falling into the ‘honey trap’ laid by foreign agencies. After these incidents, control over social media was considered necessary.

General Upendra Dwivedi’s perspective

Recently, during the Chanakya Defense Dialogue, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi expressed his views on the use of social media. He said that this is really a challenge. When young cadets come to NDA, the first thing they do is find the phones hidden in their rooms. It takes three to six months to convince them that there is life without phones.

He also made it clear that smartphones have become a necessity today. I never deny smartphones to soldiers. We are often in the field. Whether you want to pay your child’s school fees, know about your parents’ health or talk to your wife, all this is possible only through phone.

Difference between ‘react’ and ‘respond’

Regarding the reaction on social media, the Army Chief said that to react means to respond immediately, whereas to respond means to respond thoughtfully. We do not want our soldiers to get involved in any hasty debate. Therefore, on platforms like X, they are only allowed to view and not to respond.

Restrictions have been imposed earlier also

In 2017, the then Minister of State for Defense Subhash Bhamre had told Parliament that guidelines related to social media have been made to protect information and prevent misuse.

Till 2019, army soldiers could not be a part of any social media group. In 2020, the rules were made more stringent and instructions were given to remove 89 mobile apps including Facebook and Instagram. However, later limited use of platforms like Facebook, YouTube, X, LinkedIn, Quora, Telegram and WhatsApp was allowed, that too with strict monitoring.