Indian Army allows Instagram viewing, retains ban on posting and engagement

The Indian Army has revised its social media usage guidelines, allowing soldiers and officers to access Instagram only for viewing and monitoring purposes, while continuing to prohibit posting, liking, commenting, or engaging with content, according to media reports.

According to reports, the instructions have been circulated across all army units and departments. The move is aimed at enabling personnel to stay informed and monitor content online without compromising existing security protocols. All other rules governing digital activity for army personnel remain unchanged.

Soldiers will also be permitted to flag misleading or fake content encountered on social media to senior officers, allowing information to be assessed through official channels.

The Army has periodically issued advisories on social media usage, particularly on platforms such as Facebook, X, and Instagram. Restrictions were introduced following incidents where personnel were targeted through honey traps by foreign agencies, resulting in the leakage of sensitive information.

These concerns have shaped the Army’s long-standing approach to digital platforms, where access is regulated and usage is closely monitored.

Recently, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi reportedly addressed the issue during the Chanakya Defence Dialogue, responding to questions around how the force balances operational discipline with the realities of a digitally connected generation.

Responding to a question on whether the Army is rethinking its approach as more Gen Z recruits join the force, General Dwivedi said smartphones are now a necessity, even within a highly regulated environment.

“When these young people come to the NDA, the first thing they do is search their cabins to find where their phones are hidden. It takes three to six months to convince them that there is life without a phone,” he was quoted as saying.

At the same time, he acknowledged the role of smartphones in a soldier’s personal life. “We are always in the field. A soldier has to pay his child’s school fees, check on parents, speak to family. If you want to read something, how many books will you carry? Obviously, you’ll read on your phone,” he reportedly said.