I read in a recent article (http://www.themoneytimes.com/featured/20100227/pentagon-relaxes-restriction-social-networking-sites-id-10101853.html)that the Pentagon (and the State Department)has reversed their policy on using social networking sites stating that the benefits out weight the risks to national security. Specifically, "Though there is growing concern over cyber security, the DOD believes that access to these sites is important as benefits outweigh the risks."
"Defense Secretary Robert Gates said that unblocking access to these sites is imperative to enable Pentagon to interact with young soldiers who are in their 20s."
"David Wennergren, a deputy assistant secretary of defense, was quoted by Reuters as saying, 'The purpose of the policy is to recognize that we need to take advantage of these Internet-based capabilities. These Web 2.0 tools need to be part of what we use.'"
The article goes on to say that this is important for recruiting, family communication, public relations, and collaboration between military personnel. I think we can take a few things from this article. First Web 2.0 has hit mainstream, second, this marks the end of teenagers wanting to use Facebook. I mean if it has gone so mainstream, teenagers will be looking for something else cutting edge, finally, if we are not careful the government will find a way to regulate Web 2.0 so it is no longer useful.
Evan. . .
I work for state government (in Florida), and for a while I was also keeping a Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter page for my office to connect with constituents. Last week, I was informed that due to Florida's broad public record law I will now need to find a way to retain any and all information on these sites in case we receive a public records request. So now, I need to find a way to track this information internally (like cut and pasting to a Word doc) or shut down the sites. How is that for government regulation?
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