If you are applying for a security clearance with the federal government, you probably have a lot of questions about how the background check process works. If you’re like most people, you may be particularly interested in how far the government will look into your online activities and how these could impact your security clearance application.
People are particularly concerned about the government looking through their email accounts, Internet browsing histories, and other virtual assets. Because most of us would agree that we’d prefer to keep this information private, it’s understandable why so many would have this concern. There may be worries about sensitive or embarrassing information being viewed or leaked. There can also be fears that certain information, when taken out of context, could affect the security clearance process.
Emails, Internet Histories & Other Virtual Assets
Although security clearance background checks can be intensely thorough, the government can’t view your emails, Internet browsing history, hard drive data, and other virtual assets without a subpoena or warrant. This means that as long as the conduct you’re engaging in online is legal – including viewing p*rnography – it most likely won’t come up in your background check unless one of your references brings it up as a concern.
For what it’s worth, security clearance background investigators also don’t bug phones or conduct surveillance on applicants, so you can rest a little easier knowing your every move isn’t necessarily being watched.
Important Caveats
While the government won’t go snooping through your Internet history, emails, or text messages, it can review publicly available information about you. This can include anything you’ve ever posted to social media, an online forum, or other places on the Internet that can be traced back to you. If it can be viewed by the public or by someone with an account to the site where the information is posted, it can be included in your background check.
Also, although the government can’t compel you to surrender emails and other private information/communications without legal action, this doesn’t preclude a reference from volunteering that information. For example: If you once made a threat or discussed engaging in illegal activity with someone via text message, the reference can provide background investigators with their copy of the exchange.
Conclusion
Although the federal government won’t act like an Orwellian nightmare when you’re undergoing a background check, these examinations are thorough. What information you have posted online can be used against you – sometimes even if you think you deleted it from existence.
If you require assistance with your security clearance application or wish to appeal a denial for any reason, you can consult with our security clearance attorneys at Claery & Hammond, LLP.
For more information, contact us online or call (877) 362-3176.
FAQs
Emails, Internet Histories & Other Virtual Assets
Does a security clearance check Internet history? ›
While the security clearance process is rigorous and comprehensive, your personal browser history is not typically a factor considered during the investigation.
Do government background checks check Internet history? ›
Does a background check include browsing history? No. A person's internet browsing history is personal information and will not feature in any legal or ethical background check.
Can the government view Internet history? ›
Under certain circ*mstances, law enforcement agencies may be able to access your internet history without a warrant or court order. Generally speaking, law enforcement can access basic subscriber information from an internet service provider (ISP) without a warrant or court order.
Does security clearance check your social media? ›
If it's online, it's fair game
As it noted, all employees with security clearances are now subject to continuous vetting. In other words, your security clearance is always an open question, even after you receive it. Likewise, your social media presence is always fair game for review.
What records does security clearance check? ›
Credit and criminal history checks will be conducted on all applicants. For a Top Secret security clearance, the background investigation includes additional record checks which can verify citizenship for the applicant and family members, verification of birth, education, employment history, and military history.
What shows up on a security clearance check? ›
Security clearance information
The background investigation will: Review your previous and current employment history, including contact with your current employer. Verify your education, residential history and financial background. Interview your friends, neighbors, supervisors and coworkers.
How often do employers check browsing history? ›
Employers usually only look at your search history if you give them reason to. Reasons would include: Not getting your work done on time; Complaints by staff that you are looking at distracting or offensive web sites.
Can police see your deleted search history? ›
Once you delete your search history from your device, it's typically no longer accessible to the police. However, if they obtain a warrant, they may be able to access records of your search engine and browser history from your internet provider or another third-party source.
Can the FBI see my texts? ›
Forensic Tools: The FBI and other law enforcement have access to digital forensic tools that operate similarly to spyware, which enable them to extract personal phone data, like text messages, phone logs, photos, and more. Just in case, learn to check if there's spyware on your phone.
The government can read your messages and emails, take pictures of you, and even obtain the files on your phone. Government spying is nothing new in the US; anyone can be monitored through their phone, especially US citizens. Additionally, the government doesn't need physical access to watch you through your phone.
What disqualifies you from security clearance? ›
What can disqualify you?
- You are not a U.S. citizen.
- You were dishonorably discharged from the military.
- You are currently involved in illegal drug use.
- You have been judged as mentally incompetent or mentally incapacitated by a mental health professional.
- You have had a clearance revoked for security reasons.
It can be considered a criminal offense, but it's most of the time not charged; however, you could still lose your security clearance. Don't lie.
Does FBI look at your social media? ›
Agents can also operate undercover online and monitor private online communications, but the circ*mstances under which they are permitted to do so are not publicly known. Monitoring to detect threats: Even without opening an assessment or other investigation, FBI agents can monitor public social media postings.
Does search history show up on FBI background check? ›
During a background check, the FBI searches its databases for any records or information that may be relevant to the individual in question. This can include criminal records, arrest records, wanted posters, and other information. A background check does not typically include an individual's search history.
Do background investigators check text messages? ›
They have no way to access your texts or your emails . . . Well, they DO have a way but it will not be used for this purpose. Generally, investigations go back seven years for your work and residence history and they will want to know about ANY former spouse.
How do employers check digital footprint? ›
An open search check involves performing a Google search of the individual's name to see what information returns. You could also do this search using other search engines such as Bing or Yahoo. The information that may come up includes news articles, blog posts, professional profiles, and more.
