The government is considering a social media code to regulate reels, videos and sensitive online posts shared by its officers and employees. The proposed rules may apply to staff of all ranks, but the final guidelines and implementation date have not been announced.

The government is considering a uniform social media code of conduct for its officers and employees amid growing concern over officials posting reels, videos and personal opinions on platforms including Instagram, Facebook and X.

Official sources said the proposal has been discussed at senior levels and could apply to government personnel regardless of rank. However, the code has not yet been formally issued, and its detailed provisions and implementation timeline remain unknown.

The proposed code is expected to define how government officials should use social media while holding public office. Authorities are reportedly concerned about employees publishing content on sensitive or undesirable subjects and sharing posts that glorify their positions or official duties.

The rise of short videos and personal commentary by public servants has created questions about professional conduct, confidentiality and the distinction between personal expression and official communication. A common framework could establish clearer boundaries for officers using digital platforms.

Sources said the proposed rules would cover every rank rather than applying only to senior officials. The government reportedly believes a dedicated policy is necessary because there is currently no comprehensive social media code governing all officers and employees.

Until the final guidelines are released, it remains unclear whether the code will regulate only content related to official work or extend to personal accounts and opinions. Details about disciplinary action, monitoring and enforcement have also not been announced.

Officials posting videos that highlight their authority, duties or public position appear to be a key concern behind the proposal. Such content can attract large audiences, but it may also create risks involving privacy, sensitive information and the perceived neutrality of government employees.

Videos filmed inside offices, during inspections or at official events can unintentionally reveal documents, locations, security arrangements or details about citizens. Personal opinions on political, administrative or controversial issues may also be interpreted as official statements.

A formal code could require employees to exercise caution before uploading workplace content, responding to public controversies or expressing opinions connected to government policy. It could also clarify whether permission is needed before using official premises, uniforms, designations or government resources in online posts.

The possible employee code comes as the government has separately tightened certain compliance timelines for online platforms. According to an official statement issued on August 6, timelines for removing unlawful information after valid, reasoned directions from an appropriate government authority or court were reduced from 36 hours to three hours.

For sensitive grievances involving categories such as nudity or impersonation, the removal deadline was reduced from 24 hours to two hours. The broader grievance-redressal timeline was also shortened from 72 hours to 36 hours.

The changes were linked to amendments made to the Information Technology Rules, 2021, on February 10, 2026. The government said the measures were intended to strengthen protections against online harm, including deepfakes and other synthetically generated or AI-created content.

The proposed staff code and the revised platform takedown timelines address different areas. One would guide the conduct of government employees online, while the other sets compliance obligations for social media intermediaries dealing with unlawful or sensitive material.

No official draft of the employee code has been made public, and authorities have not confirmed when it may take effect. The final rules will determine how the government balances professional discipline, confidentiality and institutional neutrality with employees’ personal use of social media.

If introduced, the code could significantly change how officers create reels, discuss public issues and display their official roles online. Government employees may need to follow stricter standards before posting workplace videos, personal commentary or material connected to their duties.