The government has begun closely monitoring the personal social media accounts of government employees as it moves to strictly implement the Civil Servants Conduct Rules 2026, according to official sources.
Under the new rules, government officers involved in anti-government activities, propaganda or content contrary to official policy could face departmental action.
The government has brought the personal social media accounts of government employees within the scope of the new conduct rules. Officials can also be asked to provide details of their government and private social media accounts.
Action may be taken against officers who use anonymous or fictitious accounts to defame the government or state institutions, official sources said.
The rules also prohibit officers from using their personal social media accounts to advertise official work. Similarly, government accounts cannot be used for personal advertising, branding or self-promotion.
Restrictions on official social media accounts
Government departments and officers will require prior written permission to create and operate official social media accounts.
Only verified official information and government activities will be allowed to be published through such accounts.
An officer leaving a government position will also be required to surrender control of all official social media accounts. The outgoing officer must hand over login credentials, archived data and administrative access to the successor.
Ban on views against govt policy
The new rules impose a complete ban on government employees broadcasting opinions or information against government policy or the official government position.
The restrictions cover a wide range of platforms and formats, including television, radio, podcasts, blogs, videos, websites and social media.
Officials found violating the Civil Servants Conduct Rules 2026 will face departmental action, according to official sources.
The government's decision to strictly enforce the rules comes alongside increased monitoring of employees' online activities, particularly where their social media activity is considered anti-government, propagandistic or damaging to government institutions.
