At The Afghan Times, the safety and security of our team members are our top priorities. Due to the sensitive nature of our work and the risks involved, this Social Media Policy has been created to ensure the protection of our team while maintaining professionalism and integrity in all online interactions.

General Guidelines

  1. Anonymity for Team Members in Afghanistan:
  • Team members working inside Afghanistan must not identify themselves as part of The Afghan Times on any social media platform.
  • Personal social media accounts must not include references, links, or any indication of affiliation with The Afghan Times.
  1. Exiled Team Members:
  • Team members working in exile who feel safe may identify their association with The Afghan Times but should do so responsibly and with prior approval from the Editor-in-Chief.
  • Exiled members should use professional conduct while representing the organization on social media.
  1. Content Sharing:
  • Sharing content published by The Afghan Times is encouraged, but it should be done without revealing the team member’s identity or role within the organization, unless it is safe to do so.
  • Avoid engaging in debates or conversations on controversial topics that may attract unwanted attention or put the organization or individuals at risk.

Prohibited Activities

  • Sharing any internal discussions, plans, or confidential information about The Afghan Times.
  • Engaging in political, religious, or other sensitive topics in a way that may be perceived as representing the views of The Afghan Times.
  • Using pseudonyms or anonymous accounts to discuss or criticize The Afghan Times or its operations.

Security Measures

  • Team members should use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication on all social media accounts.
  • Avoid accepting friend or follow requests from unknown individuals who could pose a security risk.
  • Regularly review and update privacy settings to limit the visibility of personal information.

Consequences for Non-Compliance

Failure to adhere to this policy may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of association with The Afghan Times. The safety of the team and the integrity of our work must remain paramount.

Support and Reporting

If any team member feels threatened or notices suspicious activity on social media, they must immediately report it to the Editor-in-Chief or the designated security liaison.

Final Note:
This policy is designed to protect our team and their ability to continue important journalistic work. By following these guidelines, we ensure not only individual safety but also the success and credibility of The Afghan Times.