The All India Institute of Medical Sciences,(AIIMS) New Delhi has introduced comprehensive social media guidelines for students, resident doctors, faculty members, researchers and employees, placing strict restrictions on the use of the institute’s name, logo and official branding across digital platforms.
In an office memorandum issued on June 22, the institute announced that the guidelines, approved by the competent authority, have come into effect immediately. The move aims to prevent unauthorised use of AIIMS branding, avoid misrepresentation and protect the institute from reputational and legal risks associated with social media activities.
The guidelines apply to undergraduate and postgraduate students, super-speciality trainees, resident doctors, student associations, faculty members, researchers, administrative staff, departments, centres and any third-party collaborators authorised to represent the institution.
According to the new rules, no individual, employee, student body or affiliated organisation can use the name “AIIMS New Delhi”, its logo, emblem or official branding in any digital or printed material without obtaining prior written permission from the concerned department. The restrictions cover event posters, banners, social media posts, and social media accounts on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and X that may create the impression of official institutional representation. Videos, reels and blogs using AIIMS branding for promotional purposes also require prior approval.
The institute emphasised that any authorised use of its name or logo must strictly adhere to official branding standards.
The guidelines also underscore the importance of legal and ethical compliance, particularly regarding patient confidentiality. Students, doctors and employees have been prohibited from sharing patient information, photographs or case details on social media, even if the patient cannot be identified, in accordance with regulations of the National Medical Commission and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023.
Additionally, AIIMS has barred the sharing of copyrighted material without authorisation and prohibited content that is abusive, threatening, discriminatory, defamatory, obscene or constitutes hate speech. The institute has also directed members to comply with the UGC Regulations on Curbing the Menace of Ragging in Higher Education Institutions, 2009.
To maintain academic integrity, the guidelines prohibit plagiarism, academic dishonesty and the sharing of examination papers, answer keys or confidential academic material on social media platforms.
For official and semi-official social media accounts, AIIMS has instructed student bodies and institutional representatives to register their accounts with the relevant department, disclose account administrators and appoint a media coordinator responsible for content approval. Such accounts must clearly indicate whether the content is generated by students or departments and must not disclose confidential institutional information.
The institute has further directed account holders to avoid political, religious or defamatory content, maintain a professional tone consistent with AIIMS values and seek special approval before entering into sponsored collaborations or partnerships with external brands.
Warning of strict consequences for violations, AIIMS stated that misuse of its identity or branding may invite both institutional disciplinary action and legal proceedings. Penalties may include written warnings, suspension of privileges, derecognition of student organisations, restrictions on participation in institutional activities and denial of permissions for future events.
The memorandum also authorises departments to monitor social media platforms for compliance. In cases of violations, AIIMS may issue takedown notices, requiring the removal of objectionable content within 12 hours.
The institute has directed all Heads of Departments and Chiefs of Centres to ensure immediate circulation and implementation of these guidelines among faculty members, resident doctors, research staff, students and administrative personnel. According to the memorandum, compliance with the new social media policy is mandatory for all individuals and organisations functioning under the AIIMS New Delhi umbrella.