Govt tightens social media rules for civil servants

The federal government has decided in principle to take action against civil servants found violating rules governing social media use, while tightening scrutiny of their personal social media accounts, sources said. According to sources, the government has decided to strictly enforce the new Civil Servants (Conduct) Rules 2026, under which officials' personal social media accounts also fall within the scope of the regulations. Civil servants involved in promoting anti-government activities or narratives will face disciplinary action, while action will also be taken against those using anonymous or fake accounts to defame the government or state institutions, sources said. Officials will also be barred from using their personal social media accounts to promote official work for personal publicity. Similarly, government social media accounts cannot be used for personal promotion, branding or self-projection. Sources said officials may be required to provide details of their official or personal social media accounts when asked by the authorities. Official social media accounts will only be created and operated with prior written permission, while only verified government information and official activities will be published on such accounts. An official leaving office will be required to relinquish control of all government social media accounts and hand over login credentials, archived data and administrative access to their successor. The rules also prohibit civil servants from publishing opinions or information contrary to government policy or the official position. According to sources, the regulations cover television, radio, podcasts, blogs, videos, websites and social media platforms.