The German military is pumping the brakes on social media influencers in the ranks over security concerns, with tighter restrictions on taking photos and videos on bases or aboard ships.Fears that images posted online might reveal sensitive details prompted the rules which went into effect on February 20, a defence ministry spokeswoman said Friday.
"That doesn't mean there won't be any more content from, for example, well-known influencers" serving in the military, the spokeswoman said.
Germany had embraced social media influencers in the armed forces, known as the Bundeswehr, as a way to draw interest from younger Germans and promote military careers.
Under the old rules, troops were allowed to take photos and videos at military facilities or on ships unless ordered by officers.
Those rules have been turned around, with soldiers now required to obtain permission, the spokeswoman said.
The Bild tabloid noted that numerous clips of young soldiers have been shared widely on social media, including silly videos of dances or other fun around the barracks.
Some soldiers have become social media stars, Bild reported, such as a tank commander whose slickly edited TikTok videos posted as "CinematicSergeant" have gathered nearly half a million followers.
