Feds Move to Ban P2P on Government Computers and Networks

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."