Apple Denies Facebook Blocking

Despite reports that the Internet-enabled Macs at Apple’s retail stores aren’t allowing customers to log on to Facebook, Apple says it doesn’t limit access to the popular social-networking site.

Facebook allowed here

“Apple does not block Facebook,” an Apple spokesman said. Facebook is integrated into the company’s iLife suite, which Apple Store workers regularly demo at the retail locations.

The rumor started on tech news site tinyComb, and other outlets began checking it out, some saying the site was indeed blocked, others saying it wasn’t. A CNET reporter tried a few in-store Macs herself, with mixed results.

Facebook spokesman Barry Schnitt said he didn’t know whether any stores were, in fact, limiting Facebook access, but said “I guess with the economy being what it is, some Apple stores are forcing people to buy the computers before they are able to do what people increasingly want to do with their computer — use Facebook.”

Social networks just can’t get a break. Elsewhere, Maryland’s General Assembly blocked both Facebook and MySpace, saying in a memo that “a significant increase in viruses and malware affecting the Maryland General Assembly computers” were coming from the two sites.

“We realize that this may be an inconvenience and we apologize. But it is essential that the integrity of the Maryland General Assembly computer systems and facilities are protected,” the memo said.

MySpace declined to comment on the matter but said it takes extensive steps to protect users from security threats. Facebook’s Mr. Schnitt had a bit more to say. “We believe, and the delegates we’ve heard from have expressed dismay, that Maryland is taking a tremendous step backward.”

“We have invested significant resources in protecting our users and, as a result, only a very small percentage of Facebook users have been impacted by security issues,” he added. “The Maryland General Assembly can further limit exposure by making sure employees run up-to-date browsers with phishing blacklists and anti-virus software. Also, they have a captive audience and an opportunity, and perhaps even an obligation, to educate legislators and staff on security best practices.”

“I know why you’re calling,” said Alexandra Hughes, communications director for Maryland’s Speaker of the House, when contacted. She clarified that the ban, which went into effect Thursday, affects legislators and their employees on legislative computers — not all state workers.

It’s possible the department will revisit the decision if there’s a way to enable Facebook and MySpace access while maintaining the security of its servers, she said. At the moment, she added, “dealing with a $2 billion deficit is paramount.”