Some Soldiers May Be Allowed to Use Smartphones

The Deputy Minister of Defense of Armenia, Arman Sargsyan, has announced that due to service needs, some soldiers may be permitted to use not only smartphones but also other types of modern technological devices. According to him, this will contribute to the proper organization of service.

Sargsyan clarified during a meeting of the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Defense and Security that this permission pertains to phones in barracks rather than positions.

At the same time, Arman Sargsyan specified that all types of mobile phones can potentially be tracked. “Phones with internet access present a greater danger due to their tracking ability and their capacity to take and upload pictures. The use of smartphones has also played a negative role in information exchange, enabling it through social networks,” he stated.

He noted that issues related to phones have been raised for years. “If security rules are properly followed, naturally, such problems will be fewer, and risks will diminish.” According to him, the permission to have phones is aimed at maintaining contact with parents. “This is not seen as a question of completely banning phones.”