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
While the security clearance process is rigorous and comprehensive, your personal browser history is not typically a factor considered during the investigation.
Can the government check your internet history? ›
In some cases, government agencies may have the legal authority to request access to your internet search history as part of their investigations.
Do federal background checks look at Internet history? ›
Even though buzzwords like “big data” and “the internet of things” may make you feel like all your actions online are traceable, the truth is that background checks do NOT show your search history on search engines such as Google, Bing, or Yahoo.
What does the government check for security clearance? ›
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.
Is internet history monitored? ›
Your internet service provider can see the exact website pages you visit, along with the amount of time spent on each site. This allows your internet provider to monitor and record your browsing history to improve their network performance for you, comply with any legal requirements, or target advertisem*nts at you.
Do they check your social media for security clearance? ›
If it's online, it's fair game
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. For now, the report noted that the government has not yet denied many security clearances based on social media monitoring.
How do I hide my browsing history? ›
How To Hide Browsing History – Complete Guide
- Use Private Browsing Mode. ...
- Clear Your Browsing History Regularly. ...
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) ...
- Use Browser Extensions and Plugins. ...
- Use Search Engines That Respect Privacy. ...
- Opt-Out of Tracking. ...
- Use Secure Connections (HTTPS) ...
- Manage Cookies.
Can Someone See My Internet History On Their WIFI? Yes. An incognito browser only hides searches from the local device it is installed on. The WiFi owner has access to the admin panel from the WiFi router, meaning they can see the browsing information performed on their WiFi network.
Can the government see everything I do on my phone? ›
Although it's not a common practice, government authorities might be watching you through your phone. But for that, they need to introduce a specific type of surveillance program, such as malware or spyware, on your device. To avoid that, it's worth using a reliable antivirus tool, such as VeePN's Antivirus.
Do security clearances look at text messages? ›
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.
What Is A Federal Background Check? A federal background check, or federal criminal background check, searches 94 federal US district and appellate courts to identify convictions and pending cases of federal crimes. For example, identity theft, tax evasion, counterfeiting, and kidnapping are all federal crimes.
Are internet background checks reliable? ›
Do background check sites have correct information? It varies. Background check sites can only report the information that's available to them – and this information can change. For example, if a home has a new tenant, then address lookup information may be out of date.
Do security clearances check internet history? ›
Your Browser History is Not a Factor for Your Security Clearance.
What will disqualify you from a 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.
Financial problems: A security clearance may be denied because of an applicant's poor finances. Recent bankruptcy, high debt levels, bad credit or other financial issues could lead to a denial.
What records does security clearance check? ›
The security clearance process typically includes a FBI reference check of former employers, coworkers, friends, neighbors, landlords, and schools along with a review of credit, tax, and police records.
What excludes you from a security clearance? ›
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. You are considered a dual citizen, AND you are currently holding a passport from a country other than the U.S.
What are red flags for security clearance? ›
Drug Activity
A history of drug addiction, drug involvement, or alcoholism can provide a barrier to receiving security clearance. Past issues with drugs or alcohol may disqualify you from receiving security clearance. Current, ongoing use of an illegal drug will automatically disqualify you.
Do security clearances check your 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. Agreed.
