Defense Department opens up to social media

The Defense Department released an official social media use policy on Friday that allows open access for all agency components.

The final guidelines, similar to a draft obtained by Nextgov last fall, establish that the department's nonclassified network can provide access to Internet-based applications such as Twitter, Facebook, instant messaging and blogs. Web sites related to pornography, gambling and hate crime will continue to be blocked.

To address security concerns, the policy spreads responsibility for monitoring risks and responding to cyberattacks across offices and components. It also requires those acting in any official capacity to coordinate with public affairs and to clearly denote when personal opinions are expressed.

According to Defense, each service in the past has issued its own set of rules governing the use of social networks and new media, with some banning these capabilities entirely.

Social networking sites applauded the new guidelines.

"Facebook is heartened by today's decision to begin to allow our nation's men and women in uniform and civilian employees across the Defense Department responsible access to social media, which plays an important role in people's daily lives," said Don Faul, the company's director of online operations. "Facebook is an efficient way for people with real-world connections to share information and communicate and can be a particularly beneficial link between those stationed around the world and their families at home."