Social networking sites could affect your security clearance

Robert J. Lauderdale

15th Wing Information Protection Office, Joint Base Pearl Harbor Hickam

If you are a military service member or a Department of Defense (DoD) employee, and you possess a security clearance or if you ever want to apply for one, be mindful of your postings and contacts online, particularly on social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter.

Information placed on these sites and potential contacts may pose risks to gaining and keeping a security clearance. Question 14 of the National Agency Questionnaire (SF-86) asks for names of your relatives and associates.

The term “associate” is defined as any foreign national that you or your spouse are bound to by affection, obligation, or close and continuing contact. Continuing contact with a foreign national used to include a clear exchange between both parties, visits out side the country, mail, phone calls or emails. Social networking sites bring a gray area into the definition of an associate and continuing con tact.

Your list of friends on Facebook may include foreign nationals, or you could have foreign followers on your Twitter page. The current major questions include: Is giving a foreign national access to your social networking page as a “friend” considered close and continuing contact, even if you never directly message contacted them? Is having access to your updated information enough for a person to be considered an associate?

Unfortunately, this uncharted territory can ensnare a potential or current clearance holder. Foreign intelligence agencies have used social networking sites in an attempt to gather information. They have been known to befriend Facebook users who automatically accept their “friend” requests.

When dealing with a security clearance, keep in mind the HAM principles: honesty, accuracy and mitigation. Honesty and accuracy are the most important factors when filling out an SF-86 questionnaire. It is always better to report a contact that could jeopardize your clearance than to appear evasive or dishonest.

During an interview following your SF-86 submission, you will be asked more questions about your background. Discuss any concerns with an attorney before the interview. An attorney’s advice can give you a better chance at reversing an adverse determination.

If a disqualifying condition is found, you want to show that the issue is not as severe as it appears. If you receive a letter of intent to deny or revoke a clearance, you could have as little as 45 days to respond. The appeal must be a thorough brief that emphasizes mitigating factors and cites relevant legal precedents.