Central police forces have warned their staff to not indulge in online friendships, upload photos or send requests to suggestions as it can increase the risk of honey trap and sensitive information being leaked, according to reports.

Following a detailed analysis, it was noted that multiple CRPF personnel were uploading their videos in uniform from sensitive locations and sending chat messages and friendship requests to several Social Media users. Reportedly, a letter has been sent to forces regarding the matter. Reportedly, several paramilitary and police forces have alerted their troops and warned them of action in case of violation after receiving a letter from a central Intelligence agency.

In accordance with the Social media alert, CRPF has asked its force not to post or upload photos and videos in uniform and indulge in friendship with strangers on social media platforms.

Reports state that an official note stated that it has been observed that CRPF personnel are uploading their photos and videos in uniform and indulging in friendship with strangers on social media platforms. Therefore, the competent authority has directed that all units and offices should ascertain that the personnel under their command do not post their photos and videos in uniform on their social media handles. 

The official note further directed the concerned authorities to ensure strict compliance to social media guidelines. It further asked personnel not to make friends on social media without verification of the person. It added that all personnel may be informed that violation of these instructions will lead to strict disciplinary action against the concerned.

Taking cognisance of the warning, Delhi Police commissioner Sanjay Arora wrote a letter to his force, warning them to not comment, post, transmit, or disseminate any confidential information related to the guilt, innocence, pending trial of any suspect or arrested person. The letter further underlined that police should not post comments that are inflammatory or derogatory towards victims, suspects or any other individual or group. It underlined that police can’t record videos of high-security areas or protected persons. Sanjay Arora further mentioned that the police staff should not use social media during duty hours and avoid uploading sensitive information on social media platforms.

Meanwhile, other paramilitary forces have also released or reiterated their social media policy in the past few days and asked all troops, especially those deployed in border areas, to avoid making reels or use social media during sensitive deployments. Reportedly, forces like BSF and ITBP have also warned their troops to not upload photos from forward areas and avoid accepting friend requests from unknown persons without verifying their identity.

The social media warning follows after a honey trap case was observed in CISF where a constable deployed at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant was found to be in touch with a woman Intelligence officer in Pakistan and may have shared a few details. NOtably, Pakistan Intelligence officers have also tried to call the control rooms of several forces by introducing themselves as senior officials.

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