NEW DELHI DEC 25: The Indian Army has issued updated guidelines on the use of social media applications including Instagram, WhatsApp, LinkedIn and others, allowing personnel to access these platforms under strict restrictions. According to defence officials, army personnel are now permitted to use Instagram exclusively for “viewing and monitoring purposes only,” with no comments or views to be communicated on the platform.
For platforms such as YouTube, X (formerly Twitter), Quora and Instagram, only passive use for accessing information and knowledge is allowed. Posting user-generated content, messages or other uploads on these apps has not been permitted. Personnel are prohibited from liking or commenting on posts, as all existing digital security rules remain firmly in place.
For applications such as Skype, WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal, the exchange of unclassified information of a general nature is permitted. Communication via these apps should be restricted to known contacts, and users are solely responsible for ensuring the correct identification of recipients. LinkedIn may be used solely for uploading a résumé and for seeking information related to prospective employers or employees.
The revised instructions have been circulated across all army units and departments, with the objective of letting soldiers stay informed, track developments online and build awareness without compromising operational security. Personnel are also permitted to flag fake, misleading or suspicious posts to senior officers. Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has emphasized the difference between “reacting” and “responding,” cautioning soldiers against impulsive online responses, stating that army personnel should “reply after they retire”.
The Indian Army had previously imposed strict restrictions on social media usage, including a 2020 directive banning 89 applications like Facebook and Instagram from army devices due to security concerns. Over time, limited access has been restored under strict supervision, with platforms now permitted within clearly defined boundaries. The Army also runs its own official social media handles, which serve as authorised sources of information.
