AIIMS Delhi issues social media guidelines for students, staff; unauthorized use of name, logo prohibited

The Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi has issued a detailed set of social media guidelines for students, residents, staff and affiliated bodies, which lay out 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 by the competent authority. They cover everything from 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 about privacy, misinformation and unauthorized 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 unauthorized branding or institutional 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, inappropriate use of institutional branding or unauthorized representation can lead to reputational damage and legal complications.”The rules apply not only to undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students, but also to resident physicians, faculty, researchers, administrative staff, student associations, departments, and even third-party collaborators who have been given institutional access.

AIIMS name and logo may not be used without approval

One of the most important changes is that students, employees and affiliated bodies will not be allowed to use the AIIMS, New Delhi name, logo, emblem or official mark without prior written approval from the department concerned.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 brand must follow official branding standards.

Patient information cannot be shared

The guidelines place patient confidentiality at the heart of the policy.Students and staff are 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 Medical Council of India Regulations, 2002 and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.The document also prohibits sharing copyrighted material without permission, posting obscene or defamatory content, hate speech, and material that promotes harassment, bullying, or abuse.

Sharing of exam material is 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 exam questions, answer keys, or other confidential academic material.The measure comes at a time when several educational institutions have tightened the rules on the digital circulation of content related to exams.

Rules for official social media accounts

AIIMS has also established a governance framework for official social media accounts managed by student bodies or employees.These accounts must be registered with the relevant department. Administrators must provide institutional email IDs and contact details, while a media coordinator must be appointed for content approval.Additionally, the guidelines state that accounts must clearly indicate whether the content is student-generated or department-generated and must not reveal confidential or internal information.Political, religious and defamatory content has also been banned. Sponsored content or collaborations with external brands will require special authorization.

Violations may result in disciplinary action

The memorandum says that misuse of AIIMS identity may have legal consequences.Internal disciplinary measures may include written warnings, suspension of membership or access privileges, student body exclusion, and denial of permission to participate in institutional events.AIIMS has also reserved the right to monitor social media compliance.According to the memorandum, “In case of non-compliance, a takedown notice will be issued. Content must be removed within 12 hours of the notice.”