The federal government has introduced stricter rules for government employees using Social Media and traditional media platforms.
The new framework limits how officials can use online platforms for personal publicity and government-related communication.
The Establishment Division shared details with the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Secretariat.
Officials said new rules have been developed to regulate government employees’ activities across digital and traditional media.
A dedicated monitoring cell is also being established to check compliance with the new requirements.
Government Employees Face New Social Media Rules
Under the new framework, government employees cannot use their official positions for personal promotion.
Officials will also need proper authorisation before publicising government-related matters.
The restrictions are intended to prevent employees from using their positions to build personal brands online.
They also aim to reduce the risk of unauthorised disclosure of government information.
Government employees must ensure their Social Media activities remain consistent with the official code of conduct.
The rules cover activities that could create concerns regarding confidentiality, official responsibilities or personal publicity.
Monitoring Cell to Check Compliance
The government is also establishing a dedicated monitoring cell under the new framework.
The cell will oversee compliance and help authorities enforce the rules governing media activities.
The latest measures build upon restrictions that already apply to government servants.
Under existing instructions, government employees need permission before participating in certain media programmes.
They are also prohibited from sharing confidential or official information without proper authorisation.
These requirements apply when officials communicate through both traditional and digital media channels.
Rules Cover Major Online Platforms
The updated framework comes as government officials increasingly communicate with the public through online platforms.
Facebook, X, YouTube and TikTok have become widely used channels for sharing information and reaching audiences.
However, the government wants official communication to remain within authorised channels and established rules.
The latest measures are expected to strengthen oversight of employees’ online activities.
Officials using Social Media will have to follow the new framework alongside existing government conduct requirements.
The restrictions particularly focus on personal publicity, unauthorised government-related communication and disclosure of official information.
The government has not completely prohibited every form of online activity under the details provided.
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Instead, the framework places tighter controls on how government employees use their positions and communicate official matters online.
