Social Media and Security Clearances

Social media can be part of a security clearance background investigation. Federal policy allows investigators and adjudicators to consider publicly available social media information, so what you post, share and associate with online can become relevant to a clearance decision. This page explains how social media is used and how to reduce the risk of avoidable concerns.

How Social Media Is Used

Security Executive Agent Directive 5 (SEAD 5) governs the collection and use of publicly available social media information in personnel security background investigations and adjudications. In general:

• Only publicly available information may be reviewed. SEAD 5 does not authorize investigators to ask for your passwords or to access private content.
• Information is weighed under the same adjudicative guidelines as any other source.

Guidelines Most Often Involved

• Guideline E (Personal Conduct): Dishonesty, rule violations, or conduct showing poor judgment or a lack of discretion.
• Guideline M (Use of Information Technology): Misuse of information systems, or unauthorized disclosure of protected information through them.
• Guideline B (Foreign Influence): Online relationships with foreign nationals that suggest a close or continuing contact.
• Guideline J (Criminal Conduct): Posts that show or describe criminal activity.

Common Problem Areas

• Disclosing protected information: Posting or discussing classified or sensitive government information, even indirectly.
• Inconsistency: Online statements that contradict what was reported on the SF-86 or said in an interview.
• Unreported contacts: Close relationships with foreign nationals that were not disclosed.
• Conduct that shows poor judgment: Illegal activity, harassing or threatening content, and drug use.

Practical Steps

• Review your public profiles for content that conflicts with your SF-86 answers or that you would be uncomfortable explaining.
• Get legal advice before deleting anything once you are under investigation or have received a notice. Removing content after a concern is raised can itself be viewed as a lack of candor.
• Follow your employer's and agency's social media policies, and never discuss clearance-related or classified work online.
• Be accurate on the SF-86. Your online presence should be consistent with what you report.

Seeking Legal Assistance

A security clearance lawyer can help you assess whether online content is likely to raise a concern, and prepare a response if a Statement of Reasons cites it.

Social media is one source among many, and it is judged on the same standards as the rest of your record. Consistency, candor and discretion are the safest approach. Outcomes depend on the facts of each case.