IDF blocks soldiers' social media access
Israeli army cracks down on troops' use of Twitter, Facebook, Gmail account on military bases in attempt to prevent security leaks, potentially image-damaging posts from going viral
The Israel Defense Forces plans to bar soldiers from using social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter as well as email sites like Gmail, while on base, in an attempt to prevent security leaks and embarrassing videos from going viral.
Lt.-Col. Gadi Abudi, head of the Intelligence Corps information security, said Tuesday that the idea was to prevent sensitive information from reaching Israel's "enemies" via such popular social media sites.
Related stories:
Abudi said the ban applies only when troops are on base, where their online habits could put military computers at risk. Mobile phone use will also be restricted.
The move follows a series of online embarrassments cause to the IDF, after soldiers posted pictures on Facebook of themselves mistreating detained Palestinians. In one case, the military had to cancel an operation after a soldier revealed plans on his Facebook page.
Abadi told Channel 2 News that such sites would blocked on computers that have internet connections on army bases, as well as in all offices where soldiers might have access to classified documents and materials.
Social media and email sites, however, would remain available to soldiers in units' break rooms. Soldiers would also still be able to access the blocked websites on their mobile phones.
AP contributed to this report
- Follow Ynetnews on Facebook
