Social Security Administration Bans News Access for Employees Amid Restructuring
The Social Security Administration imposes a ban on accessing news websites to protect sensitive information, sparking concerns about its impact on agency work.
The move at the SSA comes amid mounting unprecedented efforts by the White House to curtail the role of mainstream media in Washington, which also includes canceled media contracts for federal agencies and the ouster of news outlets from press briefings.
Staff at Social Security Administration banned from reading news sites at work
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Social Security workers aren't allowed to read news sites at work anymore
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These additional restrictions will help reduce risk and better protect the sensitive information entrusted to us in our many systems.
Social Security Administration bars employees from reading the news at work
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Summary
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has prohibited employees from accessing news websites on work devices, citing the need to protect sensitive information. Effective March 6, 2025, this ban extends to online shopping and sports websites. Employees can request exceptions for work-related purposes. The decision comes amidst significant restructuring efforts prompted by the Trump administration and Elon Musk’s influence, potentially affecting service and communication within the agency. Concerns have been raised about the implications for claim processing and public service as the agency faces workforce reductions and operational changes.
Perspectives
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has implemented new restrictions on employees' internet access to enhance data security and maintain focus on critical work related to serving the public.
The ban on accessing certain websites, including news, aims to protect sensitive information but may hinder employees' ability to perform essential duties effectively.
The changes come amid a broader restructuring of the SSA under the Trump administration, which has faced criticism for significant workforce reductions that could negatively impact service delivery.