The federal government has imposed a ban on the use of social media by civil servants without prior authorization.
An office memorandum issued by the Establishment Division states that civil servants are prohibited from using any social media platform without permission.
According to the memorandum, this decision is aimed at preventing the leakage of official information and documents. Civil servants are instructed to adhere to the Government Servants (Conduct) Rules 1964.
The memorandum specifies that civil servants cannot express opinions or make statements on social media without authorization. They are also barred from sharing official documents or information with unauthorized individuals and from making statements that could harm the government’s reputation.
The memorandum further outlines that employees are not allowed to make statements on social media that are contrary to government policy, decisions, national sovereignty, or dignity, nor are they permitted to make remarks that could affect relations with other countries.
Additionally, the memorandum notes that civil servants have often been observed engaging in discussions and debates on social media. The aim of the guidelines is not to restrict the positive use of social media but to ensure appropriate conduct.
It instructs agencies to monitor their social media platforms and remove any objectionable content. All services, groups, and civil servants are required to comply with these instructions, with violations potentially leading to misconduct proceedings against the involved employees.
The Establishment Division’s memorandum directs all federal secretaries, additional secretaries, heads of departments, and chief secretaries to enforce this order.
