According to a new report from Web security firm ScanSafe a third of employers are now blocking access to social networking sites. Companies blocking such sites has risen 17 percent over the past year.

ScanSafe says that Facebook usage grew by 270 percent in the last year and has 52 million users globally. MySpace still has the lead among social networking sites with 114 million users and LinkedIn is quickly gaining ground within the business community.

The popular social networks are getting a lashing at workplaces worldwide as employers recognize how much time employees are spending on it, and the possible phishing attacks that could occur. Like YouTube, IM’s and various other time wasting websites, companies are starting to get the fall out from lost productivity and are forced to shut access off.

Locally I would believe the corporate issues to be similar and have heard reports that some companies have at times blocked access to Triniscene, and now with the gaining popularity of Facebook is this now a common occurrence?

As it has been noted that 49% of all corporate web traffic is not work related Allyuh asks, as an employee does your company limit your internet activity?