Social Security Administration bars employees from reading the news at work

The Social Security Administration wrote in an email Thursday morning that employees can no longer read news websites on work devices.

“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 supervisors.

“These additional restrictions will help reduce risk and better protect the sensitive information entrusted to us in our many systems,” the email added.

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In a statement, a Social Security spokesperson said the restrictions were implemented to keep employees focused.

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"Social Security employees should be focused on mission-critical work and serving the American people," the spokesperson said. "Therefore, we implemented additional restrictions to the categories of websites prohibited from government-furnished equipment, including online shopping, general news, and sports. Employees may request an exception if they have a business need for job-specific duties." 

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The Washington Post first reported the email.

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.