In light of a recent spate of inappropriate photos posted by Israel Defense Forces soldiers on social networks, the IDF is formulating new guidelines regarding soldiers' use of social media, namely Facebook. Earlier this week, a photo of scantily clad female soldiers sparked a viral trend of semi-nude pictures of IDF soldiers that washed over the internet. The IDF did not say whether the new directives, slated to be issued later this month, were a direct response to the phenomenon. According to Channel 2 news, the new guidelines are meant to prevent IDF soldiers from leaking sensitive information online. Under the new guidelines, the IDF is divided into three separate groups: The first group comprises soldiers and officers serving in special units, mostly unknown to the general public, who will be forbidden from having accounts on any social network, including Facebook. The second group comprises majors serving as pilots or intelligence officers and other special positions, who will be permitted to have social network accounts but with very strict restrictions. Among other things, the restrictions include a ban on any mention or photo pertaining to their military service, and on the use of the check-in feature that provides information on the posters' location. The third group, which includes the remainder of the IDF, will be allowed to have social network accounts under the existing information-security guidelines. Last August, the IDF announced that while instructing soldiers on appropriate use of social networks, the Military Intelligence Directorate was also using advanced technology to monitor sensitive information on social network accounts belonging to soldiers and officers. The IDF explained that in the event that sensitive information that compromises Israel's security is exposed, the unit will personally approach the soldier who posted the information. "We do not hack people's accounts," Channel 2 quoted a military official as saying. "We only look at the information that the enemy can see." "We invest a lot in educating the soldiers because we believe that the more aware our soldiers are of the dangers, the more they will avoid posting military information online," he said.
IDF to limit soldiers' presence on social networks
In wake of spate of inappropriate photos, and in efforts to prevent leaks of sensitive information, the IDF may forbid certain units from holding accounts on Facebook and other social networks • IDF also monitors soldiers' social network accounts.
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