TSA to Block "Controversial Opinion" on the Web

[Desertdog]

I wonder what the "Controversial Opinion" web site are.  Huffinton report? Probably not./.  Democratic Underground?  Very doubtful.  Fox News?  Probably.  Rush Limbaugh and Glen Beck?  No doubt.. 

I wonder if the TSA really, really believe in censorship.  Since actions speak louder than words, i think they do.


TSA to Block "Controversial Opinion" on the Web
Posted by Pia Malbran
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-31727_162-20009642-10391695.html

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is blocking certain websites from the federal agency's computers, including halting access by staffers to any Internet pages that contain a "controversial opinion," according to an internal email obtained by CBS News.


The email was sent to all TSA employees from the Office of Information Technology on Friday afternoon.


It states that as of July 1, TSA employees will no longer be allowed to access five categories of websites that have been deemed "inappropriate for government access."


The categories include:


• Chat/Messaging


• Controversial opinion


• Criminal activity


• Extreme violence (including cartoon violence) and gruesome content


• Gaming


The email does not specify how the TSA will determine if a website expresses a "controversial opinion."


There is also no explanation as to why controversial opinions are being blocked, although the email stated that some of the restricted websites violate the Employee Responsibilities and Conduct policy.


The TSA did not return calls seeking comment by publication time.

[Zardozimo Oprah Bannedalas]

The categories include:


• Chat/Messaging


• Controversial opinion


• Criminal activity


• Extreme violence (including cartoon violence) and gruesome content


• Gaming

But porn is okay? 

[Jamisjockey]

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is blocking certain websites from the federal agency's computers, including halting access by staffers to any Internet pages that contain a "controversial opinion," according to an internal email obtained by CBS News.

I'm trying hard to be outraged that they are controlling what the employees access while at work.  Really, I am.   

[AZRedhawk44]

Ditto, jamis.  I saw the drudge headline and immediately went to "Obama-net firewall filter" on all our innertubez, then read the actual story.  Ho-hum.

[Racehorse]

But porn is okay? 

That was my first thought, as well.

[Ben]

Why do they need access to Internet porn when they have full body scanners?  

[AZRedhawk44]

Why do they need access to Internet porn when they have full body scanners?  

... because a lot of travelers that go through them will scar your libido for the rest of your life, unless immediate corrective action is taken.

[seeker_two]

But porn is okay? 

...only at the SEC.....

[Fitz]

Yeah, this is a clear cut case of "Employers have the right to tell you how to use their equipment."

Move along, nothing to see here.

[longeyes]

Don't want any of those gun-clinging, Bible-lovin', rightwing extremists cluttering up the cubicles.

[kgbsquirrel]

I'm surprised they are left will so many things they can access. I've seen non-gooberment employers where the only thing their workers could access on the comps were a few selected sites that were work related and nothing else (Napa for instance). Yeah, definitely a non-issue here.

[lee n. field]

The categories include:


• Chat/Messaging
• Controversial opinion
• Criminal activity
• Extreme violence (including cartoon violence) and gruesome content
• Gaming

That sounds like (part of) the standard pick list on the Sonicwall firewall with content filtering that I manage for the school.

I doubt there's that much to this story.