According to a new report, the White House is thinking about implementing a new ban which will prevent members of the staff from using their personal phones when they’re at work. The report mentions that the possibility of the ban has raised concerns among some staffers as they feel they will be cut off from their families and friends while they’re at work. The administration is reportedly mulling this step due to other reasons and not necessarily due to leaks to the press.
President Donald Trump has complained about press leaks multiple times since taking office but this potential ban is reportedly not because of those concerns. Bloomberg hears from some officials who say that the ban is driven by cybersecurity concerns.
One official mentioned that there are too many devices connected to the campus wireless network and the staffs’ personal phones aren’t as secure as those that have been issued by the federal government.
The White House already has some protections in place with regards to personal devices. Officials have to leave their devices outside meetings rooms where sensitive or classified information is to be discussed.
White House Chief of Staff John Kelly is said to be particularly pushing for the ban. His personal phone was discovered to be compromised by hackers a few months back.
It is yet to be decided by top officials of this ban will be imposed or not. If they go through with it, the ban would apply to all staff in the president’s executive office.
Filed in . Read more about White House. Source: bloomberg