The Malaysian Insider

MARCH 6 - 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.

Online group members say most sites do not contain sensitive information. Student Anan Ganesh, 25, who has just finished national service, said this was just a way to keep in touch.

But information which could be considered sensitive can be found online.

One group, which describes itself as the "biggest online Guards community" and the "SAF"s elite force", describes in detail the training it underwent and its purpose.

Photos of troops, either in training or hanging out in camp, are also commonplace in many online community pages.

The experience of other armed forces overseas points to possible dangers.

Late last year, news reports said Israeli intelligence officers had uncovered attempts by groups like Hizbollah to cultivate online friendships with Israeli soldiers on Facebook to obtain classified information and arrange kidnappings.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have since launched an aggressive campaign cautioning soldiers against posting information about their branch of service or unit details.

In recent years, Mindef has reined in the use of new technology and new media in the interest of security.

Three years ago, it asked a blogger, Mr Miyagi, to remove blog posts and photos of himself in army uniform.

In 2007, it banned camera phones from being taken into camps after photos of training activities appeared online.

One national serviceman blogger, however, said Mindef should realise that these activities are part and parcel of life today, and find other ways to reduce the security risk.

Said the 22-year-old: "The SAF should just embrace new media in its own way. Since we will be posting details, why not give us our own secure social network so we can share photos and any information we like?"

Military action can be taken against national servicemen found disclosing inappropriate information online.

Civilians who do so can be charged under the Official Secrets Act or Sedition Act. - The Straits Times