U.S. Military May Ban Social Networks

By Ben Haber

July 31st, 2009

Social networking may no longer be an option for the United States’ armed forces as the U.S. military is contemplating a ban on Twitter, Facebook and other social networks in light of security concerns.  According to WIRED, this fresh ban stems from fears that Facebook and other social networks are far too easy for hackers and cybercrooks to gain access to the military’s networks.

This is not the first time a military has restricted the use of social networks.  In April 2008 Israel deemed Facebook as a security threat and placed restrictions on what soldiers were allowed to post on their profiles. One soldier was even jailed for posting sensitive information on his profile.

The British Army also told soldiers to stop using social networks like Facebook and MySpace in February 2009, an order that did not sit well with the soldiers:

The move has angered troops who regularly use networking sites to keep in touch with family and friends.

An NCO in Afghanistan told The Sun: “The fun police have taken over. I can’t talk to my wife and kids or even play Call of Duty 5. Do they really think we’re going to give away secrets?”

Another soldier said: “It’s the most offensive thing I’ve ever heard. We’re prepared to die for the country and are treated like children.

The U.S. military decision to ban social networking sites will definitely cause some controversy as well. While the primary concern for the military is safety, many soldiers use Facebook, Twitter and other social networks to communicate with their friends and family while they are training and/or oversees and wont enjoy seeing their primary methods of communication banned.

Entry Filed under: Facebook,Social Media,Twitter