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Air traffic controllers disciplined for Snapchatting on duty: report

by Harper Neidig - 02/06/16 12:53 PM ET

Over a dozen air traffic controllers were disciplined over a three-year period for using electronic devices, including the social media app Snapchat, according to ABC News.

A New York affiliate of the network obtained documents through a Freedom of Information Act request that showed some of the infractions that air traffic controllers committed include texting, taking selfies, using Snapchat and sharing explicit material with others.

{mosads}The violations in most cases were met with suspensions or official reprimands, but it is unclear whether anyone was fired.

“The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that cell phones be turned off inside our air traffic control operational areas. The current National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) contract requires cell phones to be set in the ‘off’ position when in the operations area,” the FAA said in a statement.

“FAA employees who violate these rules are subject to disciplinary action,” the agency added.

“Controllers cannot and should not be using their phones while on the job.”

Tags Federal Aviation Administration Internet culture Snapchat