Govt bars civil servants from using social media platforms without 'permission'

The federal government has taken strict measures to regulate the use of social media by its employees, banning them from posting anything without prior permission, The News reported on Tuesday.

A formal office memorandum was issued to all ministries and divisions, warning of severe consequences for non-compliance.

According to the memorandum, civil servants will no longer be able to use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, and Instagram without explicit permission. 

The decision aims to prevent the unauthorised disclosure of official information and documents, the official document mentioned.

The Establishment Division has instructed government servants to adhere to the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules, 1964, and refrain from expressing opinions or sharing official information without permission. 

Employees are also prohibited from:

• Sharing official documents or information with unrelated individuals or the press.

• Expressing opinions that may harm the government's reputation or invoke contempt of court law.

• Speaking against government policy, decisions, national sovereignty, dignity, or relationships with other states.

• Engaging in discussions or debates on social media.

The memorandum said that these guidelines do not intend to ban the positive use of social media. Instead, they aim to ensure that employees use social media responsibly and with permission.

Federal secretaries, additional secretaries, department heads, and chief secretaries have been tasked with monitoring social media platforms for objectionable content and ensuring compliance with the guidelines.