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Feds Move to Ban P2P on Government Computers and Networks

"OMB recognizes there are appropriate uses of file sharing technologies, but as with all technology it must be appropriately managed."

Confidential documents -- such as presidential motorcade routes -- have appeared on the Internet recently as the result of peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing software installed on federal computers. In response, Rep. Edolphus Towns (D-NY) says he will propose legislation to ban P2P software on government and contractor computers, blaming software manufacturers rather than users for lack of security. A 2004 OMB memorandum to CIOs on P2P seems focused on misuse of such technology, citing sharing of copyrighted music or pornography. The memo concludes, saying: "OMB recognizes there are appropriate uses of file sharing technologies, but as with all technology it must be appropriately managed."

Wayne E. Hanson served as a writer and editor with e.Republic from 1989 to 2013, having worked for several business units including Government Technology magazine, the Center for Digital Government, Governing, and Digital Communities. Hanson was a juror from 1999 to 2004 with the Stockholm Challenge and Global Junior Challenge competitions in information technology and education.