Cybersecurity » Can Gov’t Officials Use Private Email To Keep Communications Secret?

Can Gov’t Officials Use Private Email To Keep Communications Secret?

February 2, 2017

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The California Supreme Court is readying a decision on whether the public has a right to texts, emails, and other communications made by government officials on their private devices. In a hearing last month, the court wrestled with how to create a rule ensuring public business was made available, while also protecting the privacy of government employees, the Los Angeles Times reports. “If I say my boss is a jerk, am I conducting public business?” asked Justice Carol A. Corrigan. Opponents of exposing such communications said the rule would be a huge and costly burden. A lawyer representing the news media said the rule was needed, as public officials are regularly using personal computers and telephones to conceal communications. The lawsuit at the heart of the issue concerns a former mayor of San Jose who suspected dirty dealings on the City Council when he was working to develop a project downtown. Eight years later, the downtown project is complete, but communications related to the development on elected officials’ personal devices were never produced.

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