No reels at work: UP cops get list of social media rules

“During duty hours, it is the job of every police personnel to devote all the time to assigned tasks and work. The use of personal social media (accounts) during duty hours definitely leads to a waste of valuable time. Hence, this is banned,” the statement said.

“During government work at their offices, making videos/reels, or doing a live telecast on personal social media accounts will be banned. Even after duty, uploading any video or reel on social media platforms while wearing the uniform is banned,” the new social media policy stated.

“At the police station, or police lines or office, doing a live telecast or uploading a video of a police drill leads to violation of secrecy. To maintain secrecy, this is banned,” it added.

Uploading the video of a conversation with the complainant has also been banned, citing “violation of privacy”.

The new rules also specified that any rape victim or a juvenile offender’s identity should not be revealed on social media either through the official or their personal accounts.

It also said that to conduct or take part in a webinar or any kind of lecture, or classes by police personnel, they will have to seek permission from their superiors.

The police personnel have also been directed not to comment on “government, its policies, programmes, political parties, political personalities, political ideologies and any politician” either through government or personal social media accounts.

The new guidelines also stated that “police personnel will not join or create a WhatsApp group or page which is against the police department or the government, or is made in the name of caste, community, regionalism”.

“Police personnel will not post photos from government or personal social media accounts with any person who is, or has been involved in criminal/unwanted/anti-social activities, or who has a criminal background,” the new rules stated.

Even on posts related to the “commendable work” of the police, the photos or videos of the accused will be posted only after blurring them.

“Every police personnel, as an ordinary citizen, is free to use and express themselves on social media as far as they are governed by the UP Government Employees Conduct Rules, UP Police Uniform Regulations, other relevant rules and circulars/instructions related to conduct,” it added.

And in cases, if a police personnel is posting anything online, it must come with the disclaimer that they are their personal views and have nothing to do with the police force.