Thiruvananthapuram: The state government has issued an order restricting govt employees from launching YouTube channels. 

The order aims to curtail government employees from spending time on social media platforms.

If the number of subscribers crosses a certain limit, the person owning the channel could earn revenue by posting videos. To many people, including government employees, this is an additional source of income. 

However, the order states that this is against the code of conduct of the state government as per the Kerala Government Employees Conduct Rules, 1960. 

Posting a video or article online can be termed an act of individuality and creative freedom. However, earning an income through the medium is seen as a violation of the code of conduct. 

Additional Chief secretary issued the order in response to an application filed by a firefighter seeking permission to start a YouTube channel.