A soldier viewing Instagram (Photo: X)
New Delhi: In a revision of its social media guidelines, the Indian Army has permitted soldiers and officers to create Instagram accounts, subject to specific restrictions, including prohibitions on liking or commenting on posts.
The relaxation came after years of stringent restrictions on social media use. As per the new rules, the personnel still have to maintain strict safeguards to protect operational security.
The move aims to improve awareness without compromising security.
Messaging apps may be used only for unclassified communication with known contacts.
During Chanakya Defence Dialogue in November this year in Delhi, the Indian Army chief, General Upendra Dwivedi had highlighted the importance of smartphones while stressing discipline online, citing past security breaches and honey trap incidents.
The move aims to augment the awareness level of Army personnel in the 'digital age of information' and guard them against any potential or inadvertent leak of sensitive information, they said.
The revision in guidelines was introduced on December 23, and applies to all ranks in the Indian Army, a source in the defence establishment said.
"The revised guidelines essentially mean that Army personnel can now sign up on Instagram, but with the condition that they can use it only as passive observers. They can view posts, but cannot post content or comments on the platform," the source said.
Essentially, no 'user-generated content' is allowed, so even 'liking' a post would fall in that category, the source added.
Earlier, Army personnel could sign up and use X, but not Instagram.
'The restrictions already apply on X, so Army personnel using X can only view posts, but cannot post, repost or comment on them,' another source said.
'The reason behind this change in guidelines is essentially that the information age is changing, and the Army cannot keep itself away from this information world,' the source said.
Through social media, Army personnel can see, observe and gain information, and keep themselves abreast of the happenings in and out of the country, the sources said.
"But, one has to ensure that no sensitive information is leaked inadvertently on social media platforms, and hence they have to use them as passive observers," they said.
“A soldier can keep in touch with his family or read e-books online, so a smartphone is a necessity today, Gen Dwivedi had said when asked how the Army looks at Gen Z, given that they are set to play a major role in the making of a Viksit Bharat.
Today's generation is 'socially conscious, digitally fluent and globally connected', he had said.
