Punjab Police officials have been banned from using social media platforms, including TikTok and Facebook, while on duty.
This action follows concerns that officers were spending more time on social media, particularly making TikTok videos, instead of fulfilling their official responsibilities.
The ban was reportedly issued on the directives of the Punjab chief minister's office, which instructed the Punjab inspector general of police (IGP) to impose restrictions on social media usage. According to a notification, a large number of Punjab Police officers and personnel were using social media platforms, and their videos, including those of women officials, were going viral on social media by the day.
The new policy also strictly prohibits police personnel from uploading videos on social media while wearing their official uniforms, and no activity on social media is allowed without the prior approval of the district police officer (DPO).
Strict departmental action would be taken against the officials found uploading videos on social media in their uniforms. There will be no activity on social media in uniform without the DPO's permission, as per the policy.
The policy also bars officers from expressing personal, political, or religious views on social media. Official channels about police-related content is permitted to be operated by the DPO or unit head.
Additionally, the use of police vehicles and offices for social media activities by private individuals has been explicitly banned. Responsibility for implementing and overseeing adherence to the social media policy has been placed on regional police officers (RPOs) and unit heads, who will be held accountable for any violations.
The instructions for the implementation of this new policy were issued by the assistant inspector general (AIG) operations on behalf of the IGP.
