BCI Cracks Down On Lawyers’ Social Media: Reels In Courts, AI Deepfakes, Self-Promotion Under Scanner
The BCI directed new advocates to file affidavits against misuse of AI, deepfakes and client material, while introducing strict social media norms for lawyers, law students and interns
Bar Council of India issues new social media guidelines mandating affidavits for new advocates and restricting reels, AI-generated content and promotional posts
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has issued a comprehensive code of conduct regulating the use of social media by advocates, law students and law interns, introducing mandatory undertakings for new entrants to the profession and prescribing strict standards on digital ethics, confidentiality and courtroom decorum.
In a circular dated July 17, the BCI directed all State Bar Councils to implement a mandatory affidavit or compliance acknowledgement for future enrolments as advocates. The undertaking requires applicants to affirm that they will not misuse court proceedings, client or chamber material, artificial intelligence-generated content, deepfakes, voice-cloned audio or other digital platforms in violation of professional ethics.
The affidavit also requires an undertaking against the unauthorised use of professional identity, confidential client or chamber material, misleading legal content and synthetic or manipulated media.
While advocates already enrolled will not be required to submit a fresh undertaking, the BCI has directed State Bar Councils to sensitise them on digital ethics, advertising, solicitation, confidentiality, court decorum, legal misinformation and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.
No Reels or Promotional Content inside Courts
The circular specifically prohibits advocates from creating reels, videos, photographs or promotional content inside court premises, courtrooms, court corridors, bar rooms, chambers or judicial buildings in a manner inconsistent with the dignity of the legal profession.
It also bars advocates from using court bands, gowns or robes for public display, social media content or promotional photographs except where permitted under the Bar Council Rules.
Further, advocates have been cautioned against recording physical, hybrid or virtual court proceedings unless expressly permitted under applicable court rules.
Ban on Solicitation, Clickbait and Misleading claims
The BCI has reiterated that lawyers must not publish content amounting to solicitation, client attraction or self-promotion, either directly or through juniors or interns.
The circular also prohibits clickbait and fear-based legal marketing, including claims such as “guaranteed bail”, “sure acquittal”, “instant divorce”, “assured stay” or similar promises that could mislead litigants or commodify legal remedies.
Lawyers have also been restrained from using their professional identity, robes, court premises, cause lists, chamber files or client documents as props for glamourised, sensational or follower-seeking social media content.
They have further been advised against publishing lifestyle, fashion, luxury or personality-based videos that deliberately associate such content with their status as advocates.
Taking note of growing concerns surrounding artificial intelligence, the BCI has directed advocates to disclose wherever AI tools have been used to generate or substantially modify legal content, images, videos, voiceovers, posters, avatars or legal summaries relating to courts, judges, advocates, litigants or legal proceedings.
The circular also cautions against the use of deepfakes, voice clones or manipulated digital content capable of misleading the public.
Separate Code for Law Students and Interns
The BCI has also issued a detailed code governing law students and interns, observing that internships are meant for learning discipline, humility and professional ethics rather than social media visibility.
Every law student will now be required to execute a written undertaking before every internship, in addition to the undertaking furnished at the time of admission to law school.
Students and interns have been prohibited from recording or publishing any content relating to court proceedings, client meetings, chamber discussions, pleadings, briefs, judicial data or legal research undertaken during internships.
They have also been restrained from posting “day in court”, “day in chamber”, “internship reveal”, “courtroom drama” or “lawyer life” content that tri
The circular further bars interns from using chambers, court premises, robes or internship access for personal branding or social media projects.
Confidentiality During Internships
Emphasising professional privilege, the BCI referred to the Supreme Court‘s 2025 judgment in In Re: Summoning Advocates Who Give Legal Opinion or Represent Parties During Investigation of Cases, reiterating that communications between advocates and clients remain absolutely confidential under Section 132 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.
The Council observed that if investigating agencies cannot compel disclosure of privileged communications, interns, juniors, associates and chamber staff certainly cannot record or publish client discussions, legal strategy or confidential documents on social media.
Enforcement through Digital Ethics Committes
The BCI has directed every State Bar Council to establish Digital Ethics Committees or designate nodal officers to receive complaints, preserve digital evidence, counsel first-time violators and refer serious or repeated breaches for disciplinary action.
Dedicated email addresses and complaint mechanisms are also to be established.
At the same time, the BCI clarified that the circular should not be misused to settle personal scores or suppress legitimate criticism.
“The circular shall not be misused for personal rivalry, moral policing, suppression of lawful criticism or action on the basis of unverified allegations,” it stated.
The Council further clarified that responsible legal awareness, academic discussions, legal reporting, seminars and public legal education remain permissible and are not intended to be discouraged under the new framework.
