Special Cell to Monitor Social Media Activities of Government Officials
The government has decided to establish a special social media monitoring cell to oversee the online activities of government officials and employees.
According to Establishment Division officials, the social media monitoring cell is expected to become operational within one to two months. A Grade-17 government employee will be appointed to supervise the cell.
A report regarding restrictions on the social media activities of government employees has also been presented to the relevant standing committee. According to the report, new rules have been introduced regarding the use of social media by government employees.
Under the new regulations, government officials will not be allowed to use their personal or official social media accounts for self-promotion. The use of official government accounts for personal publicity has also been prohibited.
Officials said several government employees have been using social media platforms to promote themselves and their personal profiles. The Establishment Division is therefore setting up its own monitoring cell to oversee such activities and ensure compliance with the new rules.
The authorities clarified that government employees will no longer be permitted to use their official positions, platforms or accounts for personal publicity. However, permission may be granted in specific cases for participation in media-related activities.
According to the report, a female government officer was previously allowed to give an interview for a vlog after obtaining the required permission. This indicates that social media or media appearances may still be permitted in certain circumstances, subject to official approval.
The establishment of the monitoring cell is aimed at bringing the social media activities of government employees under a more structured regulatory framework. The authorities are expected to monitor whether officials are complying with the newly introduced restrictions.
The move comes amid growing use of social media by government officials, with authorities seeking to ensure that official positions and government resources are not used for personal publicity.
The special monitoring cell is expected to start functioning within the next one to two months, after which government employees’ social media activities will be monitored under the new regulations.
