AIIMS Delhi issues new social media rules for students, doctors, and staff

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, has introduced new social media guidelines that prohibit students, resident doctors, faculty members, employees, and affiliated bodies from using the institute's name, logo, emblem, or official branding without prior written approval.

The policy, issued through an Office Memorandum and approved by the competent authority, has come into immediate effect.

It outlines rules governing the use of AIIMS branding, patient confidentiality, academic content, official social media accounts, and disciplinary measures for violations.

According to the institute, the guidelines have been introduced as social media becomes an increasingly important communication tool while raising concerns over privacy, misinformation, and unauthorized use of institutional identity.

The memorandum states, "Social media platforms are powerful tools for outreach, engagement, and communication. However, improper use of institutional branding or representation without authorization can lead to reputational damage and legal complications."

Under the new rules, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students, along with resident doctors, researchers, faculty members, administrative staff, student associations, departments, and authorized third-party collaborators, must obtain written permission before using the AIIMS, New Delhi name or branding in digital or print content.

The restriction covers event posters, banners, promotional materials, social media posts, Instagram, Facebook, and X accounts that appear to represent the institute officially, as well as videos, reels, and blogs. Any approved use of AIIMS branding must comply with the institute's official branding standards.

The guidelines also reinforce patient confidentiality by prohibiting the sharing or discussion of patient information, photographs, or case details on social media, even when identities are concealed.

AIIMS said the requirement is in line with the Indian Medical Council Regulations, 2002, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.

The memorandum further prohibits sharing copyrighted material without authorization, as well as posting obscene, defamatory, hateful, or abusive content, including material that promotes harassment, bullying, or ragging.

In addition, the institute has barred plagiarism and the online sharing of examination questions, answer keys, or other confidential academic material.

For official social media accounts managed by student organizations or employees, AIIMS has introduced a governance framework requiring registration with the concerned department. Administrators must provide institutional email addresses and contact details, while a designated media coordinator will be responsible for approving content.

The institute also requires such accounts to clearly identify whether content is generated by students or departments and prohibits the disclosure of confidential institutional information.

Political, religious, defamatory, sponsored, or brand collaboration content will require prior approval where applicable.

AIIMS warned that misuse of its institutional identity could result in legal action as well as internal disciplinary measures.

These may include written warnings, suspension of institutional association or access privileges, derecognition of student bodies, and restrictions on participation in institute activities.

The memorandum also authorizes the institute to monitor social media for compliance.

According to the memorandum, "In case of non-compliance, a takedown notice will be issued. Content must be removed within 12 hours of notice.”