Government Imposes Ban on Civil Servants Speaking to Media and on Social Platforms
In a move to tighten control over information flow and protect national security, the government has imposed a ban on civil servants from speaking to the media or posting on social media without prior approval. This directive, issued by the Establishment Division, underscores the government’s intent to regulate the communication of its employees to prevent the release of sensitive information or opinions that could harm the state’s interests.
New Restrictions on Media Engagement
The official memorandum from the Establishment Division clearly outlines the new restrictions. Civil servants are now strictly prohibited from engaging with any media platform—including television, radio, newspapers, and social media—without obtaining permission. This ban also extends to the sharing of official documents or information with unauthorized persons, including colleagues, citizens, or journalists.
Safeguarding National Interests
The memorandum stresses that government employees must avoid expressing personal opinions or revealing facts on any platform that could negatively impact the government’s image. Specifically, they are barred from making statements that contradict government policies, criticize national decisions, or undermine national sovereignty and dignity. The guidelines also prohibit comments that could affect diplomatic relations, reinforcing the need for impartiality in public communications.
Enforcement and Compliance
To ensure compliance, the directive calls on all civil servants across various service groups to adhere strictly to these guidelines. Violations may lead to serious consequences, including misconduct proceedings. The memorandum serves as a stern reminder that the government is committed to maintaining a disciplined and controlled communication environment among its employees.
Monitoring and Responsible Use of Social Media
The government also plans to continuously monitor social media platforms to identify and remove any objectionable content swiftly. Senior officials, including federal secretaries, additional secretaries, department heads, and chief secretaries, are tasked with ensuring that these guidelines are followed rigorously.
Balancing Control and Constructive Use
While the new regulations are stringent, the memorandum clarifies that the intent is not to curb the positive use of social media. The government acknowledges the value of these platforms for communication and engagement but emphasizes responsible use. By enforcing these rules, the government aims to balance allowing civil servants to use social media constructively while preventing any misuse that could lead to unauthorized disclosures or harm to the state’s interests.
These measures reflect the government’s focus on maintaining control over its narrative and safeguarding national interests by regulating the communication of its employees.
