Due to security concerns, the Maryland Office of Legislative Information Systems has blocked Facebook and MySpace from the computers of state legislators and their staffs - apparently the first legislature in the country to ban the popular online social networks.
Currently, 43 members of the 188-member General Assembly are on Facebook and use it to stay in touch with their constituents - at least the ones who can afford a computer and internet service.
Officials blamed the ban on a sharp increase in viruses and malware originating from the popular social networking programs.
MEMORANDUM
Date: February 5, 2009
To: DLS Staff and Members
From: Mike Gaudiello
Subject: Computer Viruses and Malware
With
the beginning of the 2009 Legislative Session, we have observed a
significant increase in viruses and malware affecting the Maryland
General Assembly computers. After several weeks of analysis, we have
determined that many of the infecting programs are originating from
pages hosted on www.facebook.com and www.myspace.com. In an attempt to
reduce the number of viruses and malware entering the Maryland General
Assembly facilities, we have blocked access to both of these sites. As
our analysis continues and additional websites are identified as
problematic, we will be blocking these as well.
We realize that
this may be an inconvenience and we apologize. But it is essential that
the integrity of the Maryland General Assembly computer systems and
facilities are protected.
While this may be new to states, federal government access to
popular web sites are typically blocked, including YouTube and Second
Life.
Recently, OhMyGov! reported
on problems encountered by the Obama administration who were used to being able to reach
out to millions of people on Facebook in a modern day grassroots-style...until they began working on government information technology system.
Why?
Because there are rules and regulations that need to be observed inside
the government firewall, especially having to do with privacy and
security.
Even the Department of Veterans Affairs newly launched Returning Servicemembers
site, which offers tailored information on VA services and programs, as
well a blog, Facebook, YouTube, and Second Life applications, cannot be
accessed by the government staff on VA information systems.
While
many in the federal government accept the inconvenience, since they
would rather lose the ability to get on Facebook than have a virus
destroy their laptop or be the victim of a data loss or security
breach, many are clamoring for these tools to make their jobs easier
and to better connect with their colleagues across the nation.
Related Stories:
[+] Web 2.0 for Government?
[+] Bureau Pat's Website of the Week: OEF/OIF returning servicemembers website
[+] Changing the government contracting game