Instagram of army soldiers closed! Army’s strict decision: Now there will be no posting or liking

New Delhi:Indian Army has imposed a new restriction on the use of social media. Now soldiers and officers will be able to use Instagram only for viewing and gathering information. They will not be able to post, like or comment. This change has been made for security reasons. Other old guidelines of the army will remain applicable as before.

Main objective of the new policy

With this rule, soldiers will be able to remain alert after seeing the content circulating on social media. If they see any fake news or suspicious post, they will be able to report to their senior. This will strengthen the army against propaganda and information war. Now the soldiers will only be able to monitor the platform and will not take active participation.

Danger of honey trap and leak

In the last few years, many cases have come to light, where foreign agencies used to extract confidential information from soldiers through honey trap. Sensitive details were inadvertently leaked through friendship or conversation on social media. In view of these incidents, the army has made the rules more strict.

Army Chief’s perspective

Recently Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi gave his opinion on social media. He said that today’s young generation cannot live without phones, but discipline is necessary in the army. It takes months for new cadets to get rid of the habit of hiding their phones. Still, they do not impose a complete ban on smartphones, as it is necessary to contact family.

Paying school fees, getting news about home or talking to wife, all this is done through phone only. General Dwivedi clarified that reacting and responding are different. It is not right to enter into a debate hastily, hence the soldiers are only allowed to observe and not to respond.

Previous restrictions and changes

In 2017, the Army had issued guidelines on social media, so that information remains safe. Till 2019, soldiers could not join any group. In 2020, orders were given to delete 89 apps.

Limited use is allowed on platforms like Facebook, X, YouTube, but with strict monitoring. This new policy will further strengthen the security of the army. There is a challenge for the young soldiers, but the national interest comes first.