In the digital age, social media platforms have become an integral part of our personal and professional lives. However, the information shared on social media can have a significant impact on security clearance determinations. This page explores the increasing role of social media in security clearance investigations, identifies potential pitfalls, and provides best practices for federal employees to protect their clearance eligibility in the digital landscape.
The Impact of Social Media on Security Clearances:
- Evolving Landscape: Discuss the growing importance of social media in security clearance investigations and how it has become a valuable source of information for assessing an individual’s character, judgment, and potential vulnerabilities.
- Adjudicative Guidelines: Explain how social media activities are assessed within the context of Guideline E (Personal Conduct) and Guideline M (Use of Information Technology Systems) of the Security Executive Agent Directive (SEAD).
Potential Pitfalls and Concerns: A. Public vs. Private Information:
- Publicly Available Information: Highlight that information shared publicly on social media platforms is accessible to security clearance investigators.
- Privacy Settings: Emphasize that privacy settings do not guarantee complete privacy, as information can still be shared or accessed by others.
Inappropriate or Controversial Content:
- Offensive Language or Hate Speech: Explain how engaging in or endorsing hate speech, discriminatory language, or offensive content can raise concerns about an individual’s judgment, tolerance, and ability to work in diverse environments.
- Sharing Classified Information: Address the risks associated with sharing or discussing classified information on social media platforms, as it can compromise national security.
Association with Adverse Individuals:
- Connection to Foreign Nationals: Discuss how connections with foreign nationals on social media can raise concerns regarding foreign influence and potential security risks.
- Criminal Associations: Explain that association with individuals involved in criminal activities or extremist ideologies can jeopardize clearance eligibility.
Best Practices for Social Media Usage:
- Privacy Settings and Account Management:
- Privacy Settings: Advise individuals to review and adjust their privacy settings to control who can view their social media profiles and posts.
- Regular Account Review: Encourage individuals to periodically review and update their social media profiles, removing or adjusting content that may raise concerns.
Exercise Discretion and Professionalism:
- Responsible Posting: Encourage individuals to think before posting, avoiding controversial, offensive, or potentially compromising content.
- Professional Image: Emphasize the importance of maintaining a professional image on social media platforms, reflecting the values and standards expected of federal employees.
Educate and Train:
- Awareness of Policies: Advocate for individuals to familiarize themselves with their agency’s social media policies and guidelines.
- Training Programs: Promote participation in training programs that educate employees on responsible social media usage and potential risks associated with online activities.
Conducting a Social Media Audit:
- Self-Assessment: Encourage individuals to conduct regular self-audits of their social media profiles, assessing the content, connections, and overall online presence.
- Removing or Mitigating Problematic Content: Advise individuals to promptly remove or address any content that may raise concerns or jeopardize clearance eligibility.
Seeking Legal Guidance:
- Consulting with a Security Clearance Lawyer: Highlight the importance of seeking legal guidance from a security clearance lawyer experienced in handling social media-related issues. They can provide advice on addressing concerns, reviewing online content, and navigating the clearance process effectively.
In today’s digital landscape, social media can significantly impact security clearance determinations. Federal employees must be mindful of their online presence, exercise discretion, and follow best practices to protect their clearance eligibility. By being aware of potential pitfalls, adhering to responsible
