SBA conducting probe on employees for engaging with media, ex-colleagues

The Small Business Administration (SBA) is currently investigating unauthorized communications between current employees and former SBA staff members or media, following a memo authored by SBA General Counsel Wendell Davis.

In response to this investigation, the SBA has reminded its employees of the serious consequences of disclosing confidential information or engaging in unauthorized communications. Such actions could lead to firing or legal consequences, including criminal penalties.

The SBA is not alone in tightening its communication policies. The Homeland Security Department has announced it will use polygraph tests to determine potential leaks of information. Meanwhile, the Environmental Protection Agency has instructed its staff not to initiate external communications.

The Agriculture Department has also alerted its employees that they have no reasonable expectation of privacy regarding any communications or data transiting or stored on their information system. Any unauthorized use could result in discipline or criminal penalties.

Similarly, at least some DHS employees have received a message warning them about the responsibility to not share information, requiring them to sign off that they understand all departmental data is for official use only and employee devices can be tracked and monitored.

The Defense Department has put a pause on social media posts, with activities that could lead to disciplinary action, as well as civil and criminal penalties, including using personal email for official business, forwarding work emails to personal accounts, taking photos of government information with personal devices, and using department equipment to disburse material that is inappropriate, offensive, or "of a sexual nature."

The Justice Department has also released new policies regulating employees' social media usage.

It's important to note that there are no publicly available details identifying the specific SBA employees involved in the unauthorized communication. The SBA has not provided any new information about its workforce reduction or the reopening of the deferred resignation program.

Previous reporting by Government Executive indicated there were discrepancies in the SBA's DRP offer, with some employees who accepted the offer told they had to work past the April 19 date they were originally told. However, this paragraph does not specifically mention the SBA's communication policies being limited.

In conclusion, several government agencies are taking steps to ensure the confidentiality and security of their communications, as investigations into unauthorized disclosures continue. Employees are being reminded of the potential legal consequences of breaching these policies.