No More Facebook on IDF Bases

Israel National News ^ | October 21, 2010 | Chana Ya'ar

[citizenredstater9271]

The IDF has announced it will block soldiers from having access to social media on the Internet as well as email accounts while they are in offices on military bases across the country.

Among those to be barred are the popular Facebook and Twitter social networking sites, as well as Google’s Gmail and the Yahoo! network’s Yahoo! Mail.

It is possible that cellular service could be disrupted as well at least within offices, according to unconfirmed reports. Reportedly, soldiers might still be able to access the Internet on their private cell phones, and in their break rooms.

Military intelligence officials said Tuesday the decision was made in order to clamp down on public embarrassment for the IDF in the form of inappropriate photos that have been posted on such sites in the past.

The media storms that erupted following such postings, and careless leaks of information that resulted in the cancellation of military operations, led to the move, sources said. However, there has been no official confirmation of the decision.

[citizenredstater9271]

Not sure how I feel about this. Kind of blocks their freedom of speech. But knowing how vulnerable Israel is I guess its a good thing.

[hoagy62]

I’m wondering if the ‘inappropriate’ photos they’re speaking of are those pics of the “hot” Israeli female soldiers?

I mean...those girls....*whistle*

[Nooseman]

Military has its own rules.part of taking the oath of service.

[Nooseman]

You did see that it stated on post on military computers right?

[Seeing More Clearly Now]

There’s an appropriate and an inappropriate time and a place for this type of activity.

[BlackVeil]

I think they mean the pics of Israeli soldiers posing with shackled Palestinians. The soldiers find it amusing, but it looks ugly to the outside world.

[SJackson]

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[2nd amendment mama]

while they are in offices on military bases across the country

If they are talking about use on IDF computers, they are well within their rights. If I own a company and employees are using my computers I have every right to determine what access level they have or not have. First of all, this is on "company time" and they aren't being paid to access their Facebook accounts on "company" time so it's not blocking their "freedom of speech".

[SunkenCiv]

Among those to be barred are the popular Facebook and Twitter social networking sites, as well as Google's Gmail and the Yahoo! network's Yahoo! Mail. It is possible that cellular service could be disrupted as well at least within offices

Since this a military organization, it ain't a free speech issue. Also, sounds like Israel is getting set for the coming conflict. Thanks citizenredstater9271.

[rmlew]

Those are state computers. It is their right if they were private institution. Given the history of idiot conscripts sending secret or operational data, it is overdue.

[Friend_from_the_Frozen_North]

I can understand the need for OPSEC (Operational Security) but to ban the Sites without first informing the soldiers is, I think, a violation of their right of free speech.

If they have already 'warned' them about the behavior(s) they wish to stop, then they need to carry out the consequences (I am making an assumption here that they did, in fact, specify that there would be consequences?