The Karnataka State Police Complaints Authority (KSPCA) has recommended a statewide prohibition on police personnel from posting content on social media while in uniform, citing concerns that the burgeoning ‘Khaki Swag’ trend undermines the dignity, discipline, and public trust inherent in the police force.
In a letter dated July 14, 2026, addressed to the Director General and Inspector General of Police, a member of the KSPCA urged the department to issue strict directives prohibiting officers and personnel of all ranks from uploading photographs, videos, blogs, or reels in police uniform on personal social media accounts. The authority observed that while the police uniform symbolizes discipline and public service, an increasing number of personnel have been using it for personal publicity through various forms of social media content.
The KSPCA expressed concern that such content not only damages the image of the police department but also potentially exposes official premises, vehicles, weapons, and operational details, raising security concerns and possibly contravening the Official Secrets Act of 1923. Furthermore, the authority noted that photographs of police officers in uniform have been misused by fraudsters to create fake social media accounts and perpetrate scams against the public.
The Karnataka Police Complaints Authority highlighted that several other states, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Bihar, have already implemented restrictions on police personnel posting social media content in uniform. The authority also referred to a standing order issued by the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner on July 22, 2024, which aimed to curb such practices, noting that compliance has remained poor.
Among the recommendations put forth by the KSPCA are a complete ban on posting photographs, reels, or videos in police uniform on personal social media accounts, as well as using such images as display pictures or WhatsApp statuses. The authority also called for the removal of all existing photographs, videos, and pre-wedding shoots in uniform from personal accounts and fan pages, with a requirement for compliance to be reported to superior officers. Continuous monitoring of police personnel’s social media accounts by the department’s social media cell and disciplinary action against violators were also proposed.
Additionally, the KSPCA recommended issuing strict instructions to all police academies and training centers to prohibit trainees from creating or sharing reels or photographs in uniform or displaying firearms on social media. This initiative follows previous efforts within the state to regulate social media conduct among police personnel. In July 2024, the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner had issued a circular warning against creating reels and shorts in uniform, stating that such acts amount to indiscipline and violate departmental rules. The Bengaluru police social media wing was instructed to monitor such activities and take strict action against offenders.
The recommendations by the KSPCA underscore a growing concern among law enforcement agencies nationwide regarding the appropriate use of uniforms and official positions in the digital age. The authority’s suggestions aim to reinforce the sanctity of the police uniform and maintain public confidence in the integrity and discipline of the police force.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
