Social Security Administration bars employees from reading the news at work
'SSA is implementing additional restrictions to the categories of websites prohibited from government-furnished equipment,' the email, obtained by NBC News, began. 'Effective today, March 6, 2025, the categories include: Online shopping, General News; and Sports.'
The email added that employees can request exceptions from their supervisor.
'These additional restrictions will help reduce risk and better protect the sensitive information entrusted to us in our many systems,' the email added.The Social Security Administration did not immediately respond to a request for comment from NBC News. The Washington Post first reported on the email.
The email comes as Elon Musk and his U.S. DOGE Service have zeroed in on the agency. In an interview with podcaster Joe Rogan last week, Musk described Social Security as 'the biggest Ponzi scheme of all time.' Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has repeatedly pledged not to slash benefits.
The Trump administration has targeted contracts between federal agencies and news outlets, too, ordering the cancellation of subscriptions to services like Politico Pro.
This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
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