The government has issued a directive that forbids civil servants from using social media without prior approval.
The Establishment Division released an office memorandum stating that current regulations prohibit government employees from engaging with any media outlet without official permission. Civil servants are also prohibited from sharing official documents or information with unauthorized personnel, citizens, or the press.
The memorandum further emphasizes that government employees must not express opinions or share information that could damage the government’s reputation. They are also restricted from making comments that oppose government policies, decisions, national sovereignty, or the country’s dignity.
According to the memorandum, civil servants are not permitted to make statements that might impact international relations or participate in social media debates while remaining impartial.
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The directive instructs all civil servants across various service groups to follow these guidelines, warning that any breaches could lead to misconduct proceedings against them.
Government agencies are advised to actively monitor their social media platforms to eliminate any inappropriate content. All federal secretaries, additional secretaries, department heads, and chief secretaries are responsible for ensuring compliance with these guidelines.
The memorandum clarified that the intention is not to restrict the constructive use of social media.
