Civil Servants and Social Media: Ethics and Implications

Syllabus: GS2/ Governance; GS4/ Ethics 

In News

• Recently, the Kerala government has suspended two IAS officers for alleged violations of the All-India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968.

What Do the Conduct Rules Specify?

• The All-India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968 (AIS Rules) provide a code of conduct for IAS, IPS, and Indian Forest Service officers, ensuring high standards of ethics, integrity, and accountability.
• Key provisions include:
  • Ethical Standards: Officers must maintain political neutrality, uphold constitutional values, and demonstrate honesty and integrity.
  • Public Communication:
    • Officers may participate in public media only for bona fide purposes related to their duties.
    • Criticizing government policies on public platforms is prohibited.
    • Officers need prior government sanction before approaching courts or media for vindication of official acts.
  • Omnibus Rule: Officers must not act in a manner deemed “unbecoming of a member of the service.”
  • Amendments Over Time: The rules have been updated but lack explicit provisions for social media conduct.

Pros of Social Media Use by Civil Servants

• Enhanced Public Engagement: Civil servants can directly interact with citizens, addressing their concerns and providing timely updates.
• Improved Transparency and Accountability: Social media can be used to share information about government policies and programs, fostering transparency and accountability.
• Positive Public Perception: Effective social media use can enhance the public’s perception of government institutions.
• Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration: Platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn enable knowledge sharing and collaboration among civil servants.

Cons of Social Media Use by Civil Servants

• Erosion of Anonymity: The traditional anonymity of civil servants can be compromised, potentially affecting their ability to provide impartial advice.
• Risk of Misuse: Social media can be misused for personal gain, political lobbying, or spreading misinformation.
• Cybersecurity Threats: Civil servants are vulnerable to cyberattacks and online harassment.
• Distraction from Core Duties: Excessive social media use can divert attention from core responsibilities.

Way Ahead

• Clear Guidelines: Establish social media usage protocols, ensuring civil servants maintain neutrality and avoid conflicts of interest.
  • Specify acceptable content, methods of engagement, and boundaries for public discourse.
• Training and Awareness: Provide training on ethical social media practices, emphasizing the balance between accessibility and anonymity.
• Avoiding Self-Promotion: Discourage personal branding on official platforms. Focus on showcasing institutional achievements rather than individual contributions.
• Strengthening Accountability Mechanisms: Promote accountability through established channels like RTI and public grievance redressal mechanisms rather than social media alone.
• Fostering Digital Bureaucracy: Reflect on best practices from countries like the UK, where digital platforms are used effectively without compromising neutrality.

Source: TH