https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/866564/royal-navy-uk-hms-vigilant-commanders-nuclear-submarine-sex-scandal-text-picture/amp" rel="nofollow - https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/866564/royal-navy-uk-hms-vigilant-commanders-nuclear-submarine-sex-scandal-text-picture/amp

While we can discuss women on submarines (if we do it respectfully and like adults, but I think everyone has  made their opinions clear), the intent of my posting this is elsewhere. 

In this case, the CO and XO appear (are alleged) to have been carrying on inappropriate relationships with subordinates. While the ship was in Kings Bay prepping for DASO, the CO was recalled to GB (for the investigation?). The XO then appears to have issued an ORDER to all crew directing them to immediately delete all of their social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc). As the article points out, the Royal Navy has use guidelines for Social Media, so it is not forbidden. The XO's order seems to be a CYA move and not related to OpSec. One British Admiral noted that the order was probably illegal.

It struck me that, as noted in the article, today's sailors can send email and use social media; we (most of us) didn't have such things. Today's bubbleheads can even apparently send and receive emails when surfaced. No need for familygrams. Tehy just write a bunch of email, hit send, and the next time the boat processes (all digital) messages, they get sent... and incoming emails are received. 

Huh.

Was the Vigilant's XO's order legal?

What do you think about use of social media and email while underway?