US Army Blocks YouTube and MySpace

11 social networking sites, including YouTube and MySpace have been blocked by the US Department of Defense due to an increase in bandwidth usage.

This 'recreational' usage "impacts our official DoD network and bandwidth availability, while posing a significant operational security challenge," said General Burwell Baxter Bell

Although the ban does not affect home computers, these services are not widely available thoughout most of Iraq and Afghanistan. it is thought that this will affect the ways in which servicemen and women can contact their friends and families at home.