Keeping in mind the current threat scenario in cyberspace, the Union home ministry has instructed its employees to use social media platforms judiciously even while making posts in their personal capacity, and use e-mail accounts connected to servers located in India, for official work involving transmission of public records.
The internal circular, issued by a joint secretary-level officer of the home ministry, states that while employees are free to post responses in their personal capacity, while doing so, they must clearly identify themselves and desist from divulging any confidential information. Besides, the views of officials posting on social media should not be seen to represent "official view" unless they are so authorized.
Also drawing attention to the fact that the servers of many popular social media platforms as well as email services are located outside India, the home ministry has instructed its staff to use an e-mail identity connected to a server located in India for any official work involving transmission of public records. "For this purpose, they may preferably take service of the National Informatics Centre (NIC)," suggests the circular dated December 5.
The circular recalled how social media is increasingly being used in government for public engagements, for disseminating information, policy making, recruitment, generating awareness, education, etc. "Most of the social media platforms are based outside India and are not governed by Indian laws. It is very important to ensure that Public Records Act, 1993, and other applicable laws are complied with and adequate provisions for security are in place in view of current threat scenario in cyber space," it says.
The internal circular, issued by a joint secretary-level officer of the home ministry, states that while employees are free to post responses in their personal capacity, while doing so, they must clearly identify themselves and desist from divulging any confidential information. Besides, the views of officials posting on social media should not be seen to represent "official view" unless they are so authorized.
Also drawing attention to the fact that the servers of many popular social media platforms as well as email services are located outside India, the home ministry has instructed its staff to use an e-mail identity connected to a server located in India for any official work involving transmission of public records. "For this purpose, they may preferably take service of the National Informatics Centre (NIC)," suggests the circular dated December 5.
The circular recalled how social media is increasingly being used in government for public engagements, for disseminating information, policy making, recruitment, generating awareness, education, etc. "Most of the social media platforms are based outside India and are not governed by Indian laws. It is very important to ensure that Public Records Act, 1993, and other applicable laws are complied with and adequate provisions for security are in place in view of current threat scenario in cyber space," it says.
Source:-The Times of India
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