WASHINGTON – The Pentagon has ordered a review of its use of social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook, citing security concerns.
Many branches of the US military use the popular, public-access sites in an effort to connect with young people, as well as to counter the propaganda of the Taliban and al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and Iraq.
William Lynn, the deputy US defence secretary, ordered the department-wide review in a memo to military commanders.
“These tools are proving valuable in areas such as recruitment, public affairs and quality of life for our military personnel . . . However, as with any internet-based capabilities, there are implementation challenges and operational risks that must be understood.”
Mr Lynn asked the Pentagon’s chief information officer to present a threat assessment as well as policy guidelines to US defence secretary Robert Gates by the end of the month.
Pentagon spokesman Bryan Whitman said officials would try to strike a balance between benefits and risks. He said the risks could be offset through a combination of technology and training.
The Pentagon has not issued a department-wide ban on the use of networking sites, but some departments have starting clamping down. The Pentagon’s website, www.defenselink.mil, features a link to its Facebook page and a Twitter feed from its public affairs chief. – (Reuters)