Social Media Rules for DRDO, RCI Staff Amid Security Concerns
Staff told to avoid posting workplace details or family photos online amid stricter surveillance
Hyderabad: Security protocols for staff working at DRDO and RCI have been tightened, with police and counter-intelligence (CI) agencies monitoring and restricting the social media activity of employees handling sensitive defence work.
A police official said that the guidelines have been in place for some time, but following the recent espionage case, the authorities of the institutions also decided to strengthen surveillance measures.
Officials emphasised the need for reduced digital visibility, particularly for personnel associated with high-security research units.
An officer said, “Employees were asked not to list their workplace in online profiles or share any updates related to site visits, ongoing assignments, or defence-related locations. Sharing photographs taken at the workplace or uploading pictures of family members, especially children, was also discouraged.”
The officer added, “Given their roles and responsibilities in these organisations, these employees are highly vulnerable targets for manipulation of any kind.”
It is possible that miscreants could obtain family photos from social media and fabricate emergencies, such as threats or fake kidnappings, to trap the employee and demand information or money. There is also the risk of digital entrapment in such situations. Counter-intelligence agencies are now working in close coordination with local police units to monitor digital footprints and detect any suspicious online activity.
