Centre weighs social media code for govt officials amid rise in reels, personal posts

The Centre is considering a dedicated social media code of conduct for government officers and employees as their presence on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and X grows, according to a PTI report citing official sources.

The proposed framework is intended to set boundaries around the kind of videos, opinions and other content that government personnel can share online, particularly on subjects considered inappropriate or sensitive.

The issue has been discussed at the highest levels of the government, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi asking senior bureaucrats to examine the possibility of introducing such a code, PTI reported.

If introduced, the code would apply to government officers and employees across ranks. However, the government has not yet indicated when the framework could be issued or what specific provisions it would contain.

Rise in officials’ social media activity

The proposed code comes against the backdrop of a growing number of government officials using social media to post reels, videos and personal views.

According to official sources cited by PTI, the government has also taken note of instances where officers have posted content that glorifies their work or official position — conduct that is not generally expected of government servants.

The sources said the need for a dedicated code was felt because there are currently no specific rules governing the social media activity of government employees.

PM Modi has also pushed ministers to expand digital outreach

The move comes at a time when the government is simultaneously encouraging its political leadership to strengthen its presence across social media.

In July, Prime Minister Modi urged Union ministers to become more active on Instagram and use reels and other forms of content to connect with younger audiences, according to reports citing sources.

A subsequent review of ministers’ social media activity also assessed their presence across platforms including X, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn, with ministers being encouraged to step up their digital outreach.

The proposed code, however, is focused on the online conduct of government officers and employees and would seek to define the boundaries of their social media activity.

The proposal also comes amid broader changes to India’s digital regulatory framework.

Last month, the government reduced the timeline for social media platforms to remove unlawful information after receiving a valid notice from the government or a court, bringing it down from 36 hours to three hours, according to the PTI report.

The amended IT Rules also include requirements concerning permissible AI-generated content, including clear labelling and traceable metadata, aimed at helping users identify synthetically generated material.

For now, the proposed social media code remains under consideration. The government is yet to announce the final guidelines or a timeline for its implementation.