The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi has issued a detailed set of social media guidelines for students, resident doctors, employees and affiliated bodies, laying down what can and cannot be posted online while representing the institute.The guidelines, issued through an Office Memorandum, have come into effect immediately after approval from the competent authority. They cover everything from the use of the AIIMS name and logo to patient confidentiality, academic integrity, official social media accounts and disciplinary action for violations.The move comes as educational institutions increasingly rely on social media for communication, while also facing concerns over privacy, misinformation and unauthorised use of institutional identity.
Why AIIMS has introduced the guidelines
AIIMS says social media platforms are useful for outreach, engagement and communication, but warns that unauthorised institutional branding or representation can create legal issues and damage the institute’s reputation.The memorandum states, “Social media platforms are powerful tools for outreach, engagement, and communication. However, improper use of institutional branding or representation without authorisation can lead to reputational damage and legal complications.”The rules apply not only to undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students, but also to resident doctors, faculty members, researchers, administrative staff, student associations, departments and even third-party collaborators who have been given institutional access.
AIIMS name and logo cannot be used without approval
One of the biggest changes is that students, employees and affiliated bodies will not be allowed to use the AIIMS, New Delhi name, logo, emblem or official branding without prior written approval from the concerned department.According to the guidelines, this restriction covers event posters, banners, social media posts, Instagram, Facebook and X accounts that appear to represent AIIMS officially, as well as promotional videos, reels and blogs.The memorandum adds that any permitted use of the institute’s branding must follow official branding standards.
Patient information cannot be shared
The guidelines place patient confidentiality at the centre of the policy.Students and employees have been instructed not to post, discuss or share patient information, photographs or case details on social media, even if the patient’s identity is not revealed.AIIMS says this is mandatory under the Indian Medical Council Regulations, 2002 and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.The document also bars sharing copyrighted material without permission, posting obscene or defamatory content, hate speech and material that promotes harassment, bullying or ragging.
Sharing exam material prohibited
The institute has also warned students against academic misconduct on social media.The guidelines prohibit plagiarism and specifically state that users must not share examination questions, answer keys or other confidential academic material.The move comes at a time when several educational institutions have tightened rules around digital circulation of examination-related content.
Rules for official social media accounts
AIIMS has also laid down a governance framework for official social media accounts managed by student bodies or employees.Such accounts will have to be registered with the concerned department. Administrators must provide institutional email IDs and contact details, while a media coordinator must be appointed for content approval.The guidelines further state that accounts should clearly indicate whether content is student-generated or department-generated and should not disclose confidential or internal information.Political, religious and defamatory content has also been prohibited. Sponsored content or collaborations with external brands will require special clearance.
Violations can invite disciplinary action
The memorandum says misuse of AIIMS identity may attract legal consequences.Internal disciplinary action may include written warnings, suspension of association or access privileges, derecognition of student bodies and denial of permission to participate in institutional events.AIIMS has also reserved the right 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.”
