Cops banned from posting Govt emblems, op location, weapons, personal information
The CRPF has issued a detailed set of guidelines with do’s and don’ts to its personnel to avoid being targeted on social media platforms by counterintelligence operations or cyber attackers from hostile foreign Governments or radical outfits inimical to India.
Apart from other things, the personnel have been asked not to post Government emblems, weapons or background photographs of operational locations on social media platforms.
The Paramilitary personnel have been asked not to share personal information that scam artists or identity thieves could use and manipulate. The personnel are not supposed to use photographs with identity cards or clothing accessories that can reveal information about the organisation.
The personnel have also been advised against sharing classified information obtained through official channels or otherwise on such social media tools.
“Do not use ethnic slurs, personal insults, obscenity, or engage in any conduct that would not be acceptable as a Government servant, including gossips about work and colleagues,” says the guidelines issued by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) along with a separate set on guidelines on use of smartphones in the Paramilitary offices across the country.
The personnel have been barred from sharing on social media applications even unclassified reports especially about manpower issues, promotions, local orders and the like as the same can give an opportunity to the adversaries in gathering intelligence.
The men and officials have further been cautioned against uploading photos in uniform or profile picture on WhatsApp/Facebook and any other social sites. They are also not supposed to upload pictures with weapons on such sites even in civil dress.
The paramilitary personnel have also been advised against accepting friend requests from unknown or use official details and official email addresses for opening accounts on social media.
Official logos of the department are not supposed to be posted on social media as they are legally protected and should not appear on force personnel’s posts or social media sites.
Specific travel plans or geo-tagged photos, videos or any other content should not be posted anywhere on the Internet. They are not even supposed to access social media sites from the official computers/Internet/WiFi.
In addition, the personnel have been advised against bringing their smart phones or tablet computers (tabs) to critical areas of the office complexes like conference/meeting rooms or operations rooms as per the guidelines issued recently on usage of smartphones by the paramilitary personnel while on duty.
“Do not write anything out of anger, spite or under the influence of alcohol. Do not be a bully or discriminate against anyone online. Do not comment on controversial, sensitive or political matters,” added the advisory.
