The Indian Army has issued a new policy regarding the social media platform Instagram. Under this policy, soldiers and military officers can use Insta for viewing and surveillance, but any kind of posting, commenting and even liking is prohibited.
According to the information, the Army has informed all its field formations and units about this new policy and has instructed them to follow it strictly. The Indian Army has had a special policy regarding the use of social media for about seven-eight years. Under this policy, Indian soldiers can make very limited use of social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. Now Insta has also been added to it.
Relaxation given in rules regarding utility of smart phone
Insta can also be used to collect information like other major social media sites. Also, if soldiers see any misleading or fake post, they can also give information about it to their senior officers.
Indian Army issues policy on use of social media applications like Instagram and others, allowing personnel to access Instagram for “purposes of viewing and monitoring only. No comments/ views will be communicated on Instagram.”: Defense Officials
For Apps like Skype, WhatsApp,… pic.twitter.com/hNRJ7L31pH
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In fact, due to honeytrap, espionage, disinformation, mis-information, data theft, betting, gaming and leaking of sensitive information, the Army (all three wings) have made strict rules and regulations regarding social media and smart phones. Initially, smart phones as well as social media were completely banned for the soldiers, but in the modern era, the army has relaxed these rules regarding the utility of social media and smart phones.
Indian Army also appealed to the families of the soldiers
Despite this, posting pictures in uniform will still be completely prohibited. Even family members of soldiers have been urged not to share photographs in uniform or information about posting (and transfer) on social media. Also, there is a complete ban on sharing information and photographs of military base, cantonment or any other sensitive place. The provision of punishment for misuse and involvement in illegal or anti-national activities by falling prey to anti-social elements is also a part of the Army’s social media policy.
What did the Army Chief say on the use of social media?
Recently, in a public program, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi had described the use of social media by soldiers as a big challenge. However, the Army Chief had described smart phones and social media as a necessity in today’s times. General Dwivedi had advised the soldiers to respond thoughtfully instead of reacting hastily on social media.
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