Fired U.S.A.I.D. Workers to Keep Government-Issued Phones and Computers

The U.S. Agency for International Development (U.S.A.I.D.) is set to close this summer, with staff allowed to retain government-issued electronics like iPhones and laptops. An internal email outlines that devices will undergo remote wiping and disposal processes to manage the termination of thousands of employees effectively. Unlike typical procedures, this approach intends to reduce burdens on staff as government closures approach. Clear guidelines on device return are vague, leaving employees uncertain about the finalization process surrounding their devices, highlighting security concerns amidst the agency's operational transition to the State Department.

Federal employees are typically required to return their government-issued devices, in part to reduce the security risk of leaving potentially sensitive information with workers whose service has been terminated.

The directive, the email stated, was adopted to simplify processes and to reduce burden of terminating the thousands of direct hires and consultants who worked for the agency before it was slated to be closed this summer.

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