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New Restrictions on News Access for Social Security Administration Employees
In a recent directive, employees of the Social Security Administration (SSA) have been informed that they can no longer access news websites using government equipment. This measure was communicated through an agency-wide email sent on Thursday morning.
The correspondence stated, “SSA is implementing additional restrictions to the categories of websites prohibited from government-furnished equipment.” It specifically mentioned that access to “general news” is now restricted, alongside online shopping and sports websites.
Current information about which news sites remain accessible on SSA devices is sparse. One SSA employee indicated that prominent outlets such as CNN and Fox News are already blocked. Employees who have what the agency deems “legitimate business” are permitted to request exceptions from their supervisors to access restricted content.
This prohibition on news access coincides with intense scrutiny of the SSA, especially as high-ranking officials from the agency have been leaving amid significant downsizing plans. The agency is presently led by Leland Dudek, who recently transitioned from a mid-level role in the anti-fraud office to acting leadership.
The SSA’s ban follows observable shifts in media policy from the current administration. Since January, the Trump administration has implemented changes in media access protocols, selectively determining which news outlets are included in the presidential pool. Additionally, there have been attempts to halt government subscriptions to specific news outlets, including Politico, amid allegations surrounding the distribution of funds from the U.S. Agency for International Development. The administration has also restricted access for the Associated Press to presidential events.
According to an SSA spokesperson, “Social Security employees should be focused on mission-critical work and serving the American people. Therefore, we implemented additional restrictions to the categories of websites prohibited from government-furnished equipment, including online shopping, general news, and sports.”
Note: This article has been updated with details regarding the exception requests to the new policy, as well as a statement from the SSA.
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