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http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking+News/Singapore/Story/STIStory_346670.html
Soldiers' 'Facebook warning'
They are cautioned not to form online groups or reveal sensitive info
By Tan Weizhen
NATIONAL servicemen have been discouraged from forming online military groups on the popular social networking website Facebook.
Notices circulating in camps warn soldiers about Facebook's 'dangers' and caution against revealing sensitive information about army life or posting photos taken in camp - especially during training - on their own Facebook pages.
The warnings first appeared a few months ago, several servicemen said.
Such Facebook groups, formed mostly by soldiers from the same unit to help them stay in touch and share photographs and information about training and activities, are getting more popular.
A check found at least 17 such groups, with between 100 and 400 members who discuss everything from uniforms to social activities and experiences in camp.
One serviceman said the notices in his camp display screen shots of existing local military groups on Facebook.
'They basically talk about the dangers of 'Facebooking', and how there is a risk that SAF information might fall into the hands of terrorists who might be lurking in cyberspace,' said the 21-year-old, who would not identify his unit.
He added: 'We've been warned many times before not to share sensitive information on such new media platforms. But the approach now seems to be: 'Just don't do it'.'
When contacted, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) would only say that all 'Mindef or SAF personnel are not to disclose or post classified or sensitive information and photos online'. The rule applies to reservists as well.
Details about operations, equipment and certain types of training are among the types of information considered sensitive or classified. Those who are unsure about the rules 'should always consult their superiors', a Mindef spokesman said.
Read the full story in Friday's edition of the Straits Times.
Soldiers' 'Facebook warning'
They are cautioned not to form online groups or reveal sensitive info
By Tan Weizhen
NATIONAL servicemen have been discouraged from forming online military groups on the popular social networking website Facebook.
Notices circulating in camps warn soldiers about Facebook's 'dangers' and caution against revealing sensitive information about army life or posting photos taken in camp - especially during training - on their own Facebook pages.
The warnings first appeared a few months ago, several servicemen said.
Such Facebook groups, formed mostly by soldiers from the same unit to help them stay in touch and share photographs and information about training and activities, are getting more popular.
A check found at least 17 such groups, with between 100 and 400 members who discuss everything from uniforms to social activities and experiences in camp.
One serviceman said the notices in his camp display screen shots of existing local military groups on Facebook.
'They basically talk about the dangers of 'Facebooking', and how there is a risk that SAF information might fall into the hands of terrorists who might be lurking in cyberspace,' said the 21-year-old, who would not identify his unit.
He added: 'We've been warned many times before not to share sensitive information on such new media platforms. But the approach now seems to be: 'Just don't do it'.'
When contacted, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) would only say that all 'Mindef or SAF personnel are not to disclose or post classified or sensitive information and photos online'. The rule applies to reservists as well.
Details about operations, equipment and certain types of training are among the types of information considered sensitive or classified. Those who are unsure about the rules 'should always consult their superiors', a Mindef spokesman said.
Read the full story in Friday's edition of the Straits Times.