The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi has published a detailed set of social guidelines for students, resident doctors, employees and affiliated bodies, which sets out what can and cannot be posted online while representing the institute.The guidelines, issued through an Office Memorandum, entered into force 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 actions 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 identities.
Why AIIMS 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 problems and damage the institute’s reputation.The memorandum states, “Social media platforms are powerful tools for outreach, engagement and communication. However, improper use of the institutional brand or representation without authorization can lead to reputational damage and legal complications.”The rules apply not only to undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral students, but also to resident doctors, lecturers, 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 biggest changes is that students, employees and affiliated bodies will not be allowed to use the AIMS, 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 trademark must follow official trademark standards.
Patient information cannot be shared
The guidelines place patient confidentiality at the center of the policy.Students and employees have been instructed not to post, discuss or share patient information, photos 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 prohibits sharing copyrighted material without permission, posting obscene or defamatory content, hate speech and material that promotes harassment, bullying or ragging.
Sharing of exam material is prohibited
The institute also warned students against academic misconduct on social media.The guidelines prohibit plagiarism and specifically state that users should not share exam questions, answer keys or other confidential academic material.The move comes at a time when many educational institutions have tightened the rules around the digital circulation of exam content.
Rules for official social media accounts
AIIMS has also established a governance framework for official social media accounts managed by students or employees.Such accounts should 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 also state that accounts should clearly indicate whether the content is student-generated or department-generated and should not disclose confidential or internal information.Political, religious and defamatory content was also banned. Sponsored content or collaborations with external brands require a special release.
Violations may invite disciplinary action
The memorandum says that misuse of AIIMS identity may attract legal consequences.Internal disciplinary action may include written warnings, suspension of membership or access privileges, derecognition of student bodies and denial of permission to participate in institutional events.AIIMS also reserves 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.”
