Social Security Administration Blocks Employee Access to News Websites

The SSA has implemented restrictions on accessing general news, online shopping, and sports websites from government devices, citing security and efficiency concerns.

The SSA announced new restrictions preventing employees from accessing general news, online shopping, and sports websites on work devices, effective March 6, 2025.
Employees can request exceptions if they demonstrate a legitimate business need for accessing restricted sites, but the criteria remain unclear.
The policy coincides with ongoing restructuring at the SSA, directed by Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which includes workforce reductions and office closures.
Critics argue the restrictions may hinder employees' ability to perform certain tasks, such as verifying beneficiary information through online obituaries.
The move is part of broader federal efforts under the Trump administration to cut spending, reduce government workforce size, and limit media access across agencies.