Consequences of Restricting Employees Internet Usage
Mashable has a post on restricting internet usage. Their thoughts?
From the Great Firewall of China to the public schools of Britain, IT security experts are finding that restricting Internet access can have the unintended consequences of civic backlash, poor worker productivity, and students unprepared for cyber threats.
And on internet restrictions in the workplace:
Finally, unlike schools or governments, employees are free to leave any time. A recent survey found that 39% of 18-24 year-olds would consider quitting social media-restricted workplaces. While I have yet to see businesses tout their browsing policies at my University’s career fairs, I imagine that bragging about unrestricted Internet use would actually turn some well-educated heads.
There are a lot of issues with social media in a workplace, especially a government workplace. Do you allow employees to access social media?
Social Media Criticisms and the Military
The Emerging Media Coordinator at the Defense Information School, Staff Sgt. Joshua Salmons, was recently interviewed at SmartBlogs. I found this especially interesting and relevant to all of us:
Social media has some of the same vulnerabilities, sure, but there are tools to mitigate risk just like with e-mail, computer use or the chance that a spouse will give away information on the phone. Short of locking up all employees in the basement, there will always be security risks. Social media does have its own set of vulnerabilities, but to write it off as a lost cause because of the risk is overreacting, in my opinion.
A very interesting perspective on social media in the military. He responds to many of the criticisms of social media, a must read.
Google, Broadband, and Cities Social Media
TechCrunch, one of the biggest tech sites on the internet, talks about Google’s broadband plans, where the FCC went wrong, and how some cities are attracting attention (online and off).
On Social Networking Security
Sophos released an advisory on security risks with social networking this past week. ReadWriteWeb has a great article on the subject, and has this recommendation:
The real solution to the social networking security problem is to embrace sites instead of blocking them. Rather than being overly restrictive, companies would do better to make social networking policies a part of their corporate policy and procedure manuals, spelling out what is and is not acceptable within their organization. Left up to users, it’s clear that for some, it’s anything goes…and that’s a danger most companies cannot afford.
North Carolina Social Media Policy
The State of North Carolina has issued a new policy on government social media policy, focusing on:
- appropriate implementation, authorization and acceptable use of social media
- Security measures to protect individuals, sensitive information and state systems
- Proper records management and preservation
Is There a Web 2.0 Open Records Problem?
Another of the Governing magazine articles on social media in government: The Web 2.0 Paper Trail Problem. At issue in this article is complying with open records requests in social network communications.
Many people use open records compliance issues as a reason not to utilize social networks and social media. If you make the Facebook page for your city and your Twitter account public, where is the issue? A citizen can see everything that has occurred. It is, by definition, open. I think this is a moot issue.
A Little Too Worried about Young Employees?
Another of the Governing magazine articles on social media in government: New Hires and the Facebook Effect. I’m not particularly fond on this article, because while young hires do need to understand a computer/network use policy, saying they’ll take bribes to “steal or manipulate information” is across the line. People want to be connected, not commit crimes.
Social Media Friend or Foe of Government?
Governing magazine released a good set of article on social media in government yesterday. I’ll be posting links to all of them, but here is the first. Is Social Media a Friend or Foe of Government? This article had a good quote as well:
Nobody has control over what their Facebook friends do — that’s the fun and the flaw of Web 2.0 for governments. Then again, when citizens go to the microphone at a council meeting, nobody has control over them, either.
City’s Social Media Policy
RT @cityofdelano: The City Council approved a Social Media Policy last night http://www.delano.mn.us/Social_Media_Policy/doc20091216100236.pdf #delano #social media
I found this interesting:
Please not [sic] that comments expressed on the City’s social networking sites do not reflect the opinions of the City of Delano, its employees, or elected officials.
As a side note, I thought I would post this in retweet format because I found out about this through Twitter.
On Security Worries with Gov 2.0
Gartner analyst Andrea DiMaio: When Security Concerns Are An Elegant Excuse Not To Tackle Government 2.0. I have to agree completely, and don’t miss this great quote:
… the crux of the matter is (1) to empower employees to access external social networks (2) in order to find useful avenues to deliver value to both their constituencies and their agencies.
Military Might Allow Social Networks
The U.S. military might allow the use of social networks, according to a proposed policy.
Implement Social Media Guidelines Now
Persuasive case to implement social media guidelines now.