Two-thirds of employers have banned staff from using social networking sites such as Facebook or MySpace at work, according to research by content security provider Clearswift.

The research revealed that 65% have imposed a blanket ban and 50% have had to take disciplinary action against employees for wasting time on the internet.

But the company warned that banning such sites could hinder business as well, as many organisations will expect to be able to contact customers and clients through so-called Web 2.0 sites.

“Given that social networking sites have only really taken off in the past two years, it’s little wonder that many companies perceive social networking sites as a threat,” says Stephen Millard, vice president of strategy at Clearswift. “However, it is important for businesses to understand the vast benefits of secure Web 2.0 access.

“Consumers are increasingly turning to social networking on the internet for all aspects of their daily life and as a result they expect to be able to interact with businesses through the same media.”