New Delhi: The Delhi Police has issued a set of guidelines to its personnel on how to respond to Gen Z protesters, particularly in situations where demonstrations are being extensively recorded and shared on social media.
The guidelines reportedly advise police personnel to remain calm and avoid getting drawn into arguments, emotional exchanges or provocative interactions with protesters. Officers have also been cautioned that their reactions may be recorded on cameras and subsequently turned into viral social-media content.
‘Your angry face is their content’
One of the key messages in the advisory reportedly tells police personnel that protesters may use cameras and social media as part of their protest strategy. Officers have been advised not to give emotional reactions that could later be circulated online.
The guidance reportedly emphasises that protesters may attempt to provoke officers into reacting on camera. Police personnel have therefore been told to maintain composure and avoid unnecessary confrontation.
The advice is aimed at ensuring that officers do not inadvertently become part of viral videos or social-media narratives emerging from protests.
Focus on Gen Z’s use of social media
The guidelines come against the backdrop of a series of youth-led demonstrations in Delhi in which protesters have extensively used Instagram reels, memes, videos and other digital content to document events and communicate their messages.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests at Jantar Mantar became particularly prominent for their use of humour, satire and social-media trends. The movement generated large amounts of viral content during and after the July 20 ‘Chalo Sansad’ march.
The protest movement also triggered extensive discussion about the changing nature of demonstrations, where social media has become an important part of mobilisation and public communication.
Police advised to avoid direct confrontation
According to the reported guidelines, police personnel have been instructed not to engage unnecessarily with protesters’ questions or emotional appeals. Instead, officers are expected to remain professional and follow established procedures while maintaining law and order.
The advisory also reportedly stresses the need for greater sensitivity while dealing with women protesters, including ensuring appropriate deployment of women police personnel where required.
Guidelines follow controversy over July 20 protest
The advisory comes weeks after the July 20 CJP-led protest at Jantar Mantar, which escalated into clashes between protesters and security personnel. The Delhi Police has defended its handling of the demonstration, telling the Supreme Court that it exercised maximum restraint and used only the minimum force it considered necessary.
The police has also defended the use of facial-recognition technology during the protest, saying it was used to identify people with criminal backgrounds rather than to conduct indiscriminate surveillance of protesters.
Social media has changed protest dynamics
The latest guidelines reflect the growing role of social media in public demonstrations. During the CJP protests, participants used short videos, satire and popular internet trends to reach audiences far beyond the physical protest site.
Reports have also highlighted cases where reels and posts connected to the protests were removed or restricted on social-media platforms following government or law-enforcement notices, adding another layer to the ongoing debate over digital expression and protest coverage.
The Delhi Police’s latest guidance therefore focuses on professional conduct, restraint and awareness of the social-media environment, rather than introducing any new restrictions on the right to protest.
