TSA to Block "Controversial Opinion" on the Web

TSA to Block "Controversial Opinion" on the Web

www.cbsnews.com

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.

(visit the link for the full news article)

The websites include:

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

The thing that gets me the most (other than the censorship, mind you) is the blocking of anything of controversial opinion. Um, excuse me? Who is going to determine that?

So what are your thoughts?

www.cbsnews.com
(visit the link for the full news article)

So...

The people at the TSA now have to use their computers like everyone else working at any other company in the US?

What am I missing?

reply to post by Lolliek

The thing that gets me the most (other than the censorship, mind you) is the blocking of anything of controversial opinion. Um, excuse me? Who is going to determine that?

So what are your thoughts?

That would be "controversial."
[Second line blocked.]

[edit on 3-7-2010 by jdub297]

reply to post by K J Gunderson

What am I missing?

A public employee's union to protect your "workplace rights" and wages. Something the general public does not have.

Thus, more public funding for more public employees and more public employee's union members, and more public employee's union contributions to the politicians funding more public employees who join public employee's unions who fund politicians who fund public employment.

Stimulus works!

They are going to have to publish a list of controversial opinions, I suppose.

It should be good, considering that it is their opinion.... in and of itself controversial....

funny stuff.

[edit on 3-7-2010 by Maxmars]

Don't worry, the people who work for the TSA have absolutely no need for "Controversial Opinions", one way or the other. No need to throw a monkey wrench into the workings of a pre-programmed drone.

Originally posted by Maxmars
They are going to have to publish a list of controversial opinions, I suppose.

It should be good, considering that it is their opinion.... in and of itself controversial....

funny stuff.

[edit on 3-7-2010 by Maxmars]

It's a paradox, isn't it?

More "slippery slope" erosions of civil rights. The thought police in action...

just think !!!
If this was to be done at CIA and FBI headquarters
it would cut down on about 99% of the shills
on this forum lol

but seriously, who deciding what's controversial
will probably be a blanket list of sites blocked
by domain name. ATS will probably make the list.

TSA will not act against their employers, I’m sure most of you have seen them at the airports, they are the fat minority older handicapped masses that are incapable of getting any other job. They are glorified security guards with super powers that make waaay too much for the job they do.
WOW now that I think about it, I’m going to go apply on Monday!

So this goes into effect Monday? Wonder when the lawsuits will start? I can understand a corporation blocking gaming on company time, or possibly porn, but maybe an alternative news site? Really?

That slippery slope is getting steeper, isn't it?

I want to know exactly what constitutes a 'controversial opinion'. Until then, I'll reserve judgment on this issue. Bar that, this seems like the typical filtering that almost every business employs, bar the whole 'controversial opinion' portion.

So...

The people at the TSA now have to use their computers like everyone else working at any other company in the US?

What am I missing?

No need to read any replies past this one by KJ, chilluns. TSA will never get my support to use their WORK computers for anything other than WORK related tasks.

Star for you, KJ.

reply to post by g146541

TSA will not act against their employers, I’m sure most of you have seen them at the airports, they are the fat minority older handicapped masses that are incapable of getting any other job. They are glorified security guards with super powers that make waaay too much for the job they do.

What a horribly petty little response. I bet you make fun of the people that ambulate with the aid of service dogs, also .:shk:

I can't say I see the big deal.

It's a job, plenty of workplace rules I don't agree with. But you suck it up or find another job.

Just about every company/corporation in America has rules regarding internet use, chatting online, and going to certain types of websites. They also have dress codes, and set schedules.

I love when a company makes a rule, and people cry out "that goes against the first amendment" as though the Constitution was wrote to keep McDonald's from firing you cause you called your boss an asshole on your facebook page.

Like I said, I don't see the big deal. If Dell made this rule (which they probably have something similar, like most companies) it wouldn't be news, much less on ATS.

But since its a government agency it gets blown out of proportion.

reply to post by mishigas


In fact my last job before I retired was bussing handicapped children to and from school, it was a rewarding experience too. My wife is a teacher in special education also so it was hardly a new environment.
There is a huge difference between a paraplegic child and a fat too lazy to work individual that can collect disability simply because they can’t just go for a simple walk after dinner. Please do not try to twist my words.

(Edit) And if I was simply misunderstood please forgive my outburst.

[edit on 3-7-2010 by g146541]

I have no problem with the TSA regulating "their" computers to work related tasks. This as it should be. However, should they allow their staff internet access I have no problem with them restricting porn, drug "illegal" forums or anyother website that promotes illegal behavior.

That being said, when you now restrict websites due to 'controversial opinion' you are now in the same bed as, former Nazi Germany, the former USSR and current China to name a few. The TSA only needs to remove internet access to solve the 'controversial opinion' that they do not desire their staff to view while at work.

Originally posted by jdub297
A public employee's union to protect your "workplace rights" and wages. Something the general public does not have.

Since when do you have any "workplace right" to just surf the net?

Thus, more public funding for more public employees and more public employee's union members, and more public employee's union contributions to the politicians funding more public employees who join public employee's unions who fund politicians who fund public employment.

Stimulus works!

I am not sure you are reading the same article that I did. What are you talking about more this and more that?

[edit on 3-7-2010 by K J Gunderson]

Originally posted by Lolliek
So this goes into effect Monday? Wonder when the lawsuits will start? I can understand a corporation blocking gaming on company time, or possibly porn, but maybe an alternative news site? Really?

That slippery slope is getting steeper, isn't it?

How much time does your boss allow you to sit around reading alternative news online?