The Indian Army has issued an updated social media usage policy for its personnel, laying down clear rules on the use of platforms such as Instagram, WhatsApp, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and LinkedIn, officials said on Thursday.
Under the revised guidelines, Army personnel are permitted to access Instagram strictly for viewing and monitoring purposes. “No comments or views will be communicated on Instagram,” defence officials clarified, formally classifying the platform as restricted-use.
For messaging applications such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and Skype, personnel are allowed to exchange unclassified information of a general nature, but only with known contacts. Users have been cautioned to ensure that information is sent to the correct recipient, with responsibility resting on the individual soldier.
Other platforms, including YouTube, X, Quora, and Instagram, have been designated for passive use only, limited to obtaining information or knowledge. Uploading content, posting comments, or sharing user-generated material on these platforms is not permitted. LinkedIn may be used solely for uploading resumes and accessing information related to potential employers or employees, the guidelines state.
The directive has been issued by Army Headquarters through the Directorate General of Military Intelligence (DGMI) and has been implemented with immediate effect, updating existing social media norms to reflect evolving digital security concerns.
Army Chief’s Views on Social Media Use
The updated policy follows recent remarks by General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff, during the Chanakya Defence Dialogue, where he addressed the challenges of social media use among young soldiers, particularly those from Generation Z.
General Dwivedi acknowledged the growing importance of smartphones, noting that while cadets initially struggle to adapt to life without phones at training academies, smartphones have become an “absolute necessity” for soldiers—especially to stay connected with families while serving in remote and demanding environments.
He emphasised the need to distinguish between “reacting” and “responding” on social media, explaining that impulsive reactions can have operational and security implications. Allowing passive viewing while restricting responses, he said, reinforces discipline and conveys a clear message that the Army responds thoughtfully rather than reacting impulsively.
The revised guidelines reflect the Indian Army’s effort to balance operational security with the practical realities of modern communication, ensuring disciplined and responsible digital conduct by its personnel while safeguarding national security interests.
