Indian Army issues social media policy, allows limited use of apps like Instagram

The Indian Army on Thursday issued a detailed policy governing the use of social media applications by its personnel, permitting limited and regulated access to platforms such as Instagram, YouTube and X (formerly Twitter), defence officials said.

Under the new policy, Army personnel are allowed to access Instagram only for viewing and monitoring purposes. Uploading user-generated content, messages or any active participation on the platform has not been permitted. Similar restrictions apply to platforms such as YouTube, X and Quora. Only passive participation to obtain information or knowledge is allowed, officials said.

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For communication applications such as Skype, WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal, the policy permits the exchange of unclassified and general information. However, content may be shared only with known individuals, and responsibility for correctly identifying the recipient rests entirely with the user.

The use of LinkedIn has also been tightly regulated. According to officials, personnel may use the platform solely to upload their resumes and gather information about potential employers or employees, with no additional engagement permitted.

Meanwhile, the Indian Army earlier this week signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Netaji Subhas University of Technology (NSUT) to collaborate on the development of software and artificial intelligence-based solutions for the force. Under the agreement, NSUT students and faculty will participate in live problem-solving projects conducted by the Army, while the university will also support capacity building through Faculty Development Programmes and tailor-made courses.

In a post on X, the Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information (ADGPI) said the collaboration would strengthen indigenous, innovation-driven defence preparedness.