The Indian Army has recently amended its social media policy, granting personnel limited access to platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn under strictly defined conditions. Announced on 25 December 2025, this revised policy aims to balance operational security with the realities of modern information consumption.
The updated guidelines introduce a platform-based differentiation, recognizing that messaging apps and public social networks present different security risks. Army personnel are now permitted to access specific applications, though this does not equate to unrestricted usage. The revised policy emphasizes that national security concerns remain a top priority.
For messaging applications such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and Skype, the policy permits personnel to exchange unclassified information of a general nature. However, key safeguards are in place. Communication is only allowed with known contacts, placing the responsibility for identifying recipients solely on the user. This measure aims to mitigate risks related to impersonation, data leakage, and honey trapping, which have been serious concerns in recent years. Importantly, no classified, sensitive, or operational information can be shared under any circumstances.
For public-facing social networks like X, Instagram, and Quora, as well as media platforms like YouTube, the Army has adopted a "passive participation" approach. Personnel are allowed to view, browse, and monitor content solely for information-gathering purposes. However, they are strictly prohibited from:
This distinction reflects concerns that public interactions could inadvertently disclose personal, locational, or institutional details, potentially exploitable by adversarial entities.
The professional networking platform LinkedIn is categorized separately. While it functions as a social network, it also serves formal employment and professional purposes. The Army permits its use only for uploading résumés and gathering information about potential employers or employees. Any form of opinion-sharing, posting, or informal engagement remains restricted.
Until 2019, Indian Army personnel were entirely barred from participating in any social media platform or group. Restrictions tightened in 2020 following numerous incidents of social media misuse, including honey trapping and inadvertent sharing of sensitive information. Traditionally, the Army's public digital presence consisted solely of official accounts and those of retired personnel, ensuring tight control over messaging and information flow.
Despite these relaxations, the guiding principle of the new policy remains "security over convenience." Defense officials emphasize that access is granted strictly for viewing, monitoring, and limited communication, not for expression. The differentiated treatment of messaging apps versus open social networks showcases a nuanced understanding of digital risks, particularly in an era characterized by information warfare, cyber espionage, and psychological operations.
Q1. What is the primary purpose of the Indian Army's new social media policy?
Answer: The new policy aims to balance operational security with the need for personnel to stay informed in a digitally connected world.
Q2. Are Army personnel allowed to share classified information on social media?
Answer: No, sharing any classified, sensitive, or operational information is strictly prohibited under the new policy.
Q3. Can Army personnel engage in discussions on social media platforms?
Answer: No, personnel are prohibited from commenting or engaging in public discussions on social media.
Q4. What platforms are included in the Indian Army's revised social media policy?
Answer: The policy covers messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram, as well as social networks like X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Q5. How has the policy changed from previous restrictions?
Answer: Previously, personnel faced a complete ban from social media; the new policy allows limited access under stringent guidelines.
Question 1: What major change was made to the Indian Army's social media policy in December 2025?
A) Complete access to all platforms
B) Limited access under strict guidelines
C) No access to any platforms
D) Access to only professional networks
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which messaging apps are mentioned as allowed for Army personnel under the new policy?
A) Facebook, Instagram, Telegram
B) WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Skype
C) Snapchat, Twitter, Telegram
D) WhatsApp, Facebook, LinkedIn
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What type of participation is allowed on public social networks as per the new policy?
A) Active posting
B) Passive viewing only
C) Engagement in discussions
D) Commenting and sharing
Correct Answer: B
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