News Guidelines – AIIMS Introduces Strict Rules for Social Media Use Across Campus

News Guidelines –   The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, has introduced a comprehensive social media policy that sets clear standards for how students, faculty members, researchers, employees and affiliated organisations may represent the institution across online and offline platforms.

New Policy Comes Into Immediate Effect

The newly approved framework has been enforced with immediate effect following clearance from the institute’s competent authority. It applies to undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral and super-speciality students, recognised student groups, teaching staff, research scholars, administrative personnel, institutional departments, official bodies and third-party collaborators connected with AIIMS, New Delhi.

Under the policy, individuals and affiliated organisations are no longer allowed to use the institute’s name, official logo, emblem or branding without obtaining prior written permission from the concerned department. The restriction covers a wide range of communication materials, including social media profiles, promotional posters, banners, blogs, videos and digital content that could give the impression of official representation.

Patient Privacy Receives Strong Protection

A major focus of the new guidelines is safeguarding patient confidentiality. AIIMS has instructed all members of the institution to avoid posting or discussing any patient-related information, photographs or medical case details on social media or other public platforms.

The institute said this requirement aligns with the obligations laid down under the Indian Medical Council Regulations, 2002, as well as the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023. Officials stressed that maintaining the privacy of patients remains a professional and legal responsibility for everyone associated with the institute.

Restrictions on Inappropriate and Confidential Content

The policy also outlines several categories of content that cannot be shared without authorisation. This includes copyrighted material, confidential academic documents such as examination papers and answer keys, and content involving plagiarism.

In addition, AIIMS has prohibited posts promoting ragging, bullying, hate speech, obscenity or defamatory material. The institute said responsible online behaviour is essential to preserving academic integrity and maintaining a respectful environment for students and staff alike.

Rules for Managing Official Social Media Accounts

The institute has also established governance standards for social media accounts operated by departments, student organisations and employees. Every official account must be registered with the relevant department, while administrators are required to provide their names along with institutional email addresses.

Each account must also have a designated media coordinator responsible for reviewing and approving content before publication. Unless content has received formal institutional approval, account managers must clearly indicate whether posts have been created by students or departmental representatives.

Furthermore, administrators have been instructed to avoid publishing political, religious or defamatory material. Any proposed sponsored partnership with external organisations must receive prior approval before being announced or promoted.

Violations May Lead to Disciplinary Action

AIIMS has warned that misuse of its identity or failure to follow the new policy could result in disciplinary as well as legal action. Depending on the seriousness of the violation, individuals or organisations may receive written warnings, lose access to institutional facilities, face restrictions on participating in campus activities or, in the case of recognised student bodies, lose official recognition.

The institute has also reserved the authority to monitor social media platforms to ensure compliance with the policy. If objectionable or unauthorised content is identified, a takedown notice will be issued, requiring its removal within 12 hours.

To ensure smooth implementation, AIIMS has instructed all Heads of Departments and Chiefs of Centres to circulate the guidelines among faculty members, residents, researchers, students and administrative staff so that every member of the institution is aware of the new requirements and complies with them.