The federal government announced strict enforcement of the Civil Servants (Conduct) Rules 2026, including monitoring civil servants’ personal social media accounts to ensure their online activities do not contradict official government policies or positions.

Under the rules, officials are prohibited from sharing photographs or details of official meetings, promoting government work through personal accounts, or using official social media platforms for personal branding.

They are also barred from operating anonymous or fake accounts to criticise the government or state institutions.

Civil servants may not publish opinions or information on digital or broadcast platforms, including social media, television, and radio, that contradict the government’s position.

Officials may also be required to disclose their personal and official social media accounts to authorities.

The rules require written approval before creating official social media accounts, which must only be used to share verified government information and official activities. Officials leaving their posts must also hand over account credentials, archived data and administrative access to their successors.