When a federal government position requires a security clearance, before you can take the position you agree to have an examination by federal officers, including the FBI, or your private life. In truth, the security exam is not significantly different from that done by a variety of private sources when you apply for medical or health insurance, a mortgage, bank loan, or even job applications.

The exam is done after consent, but the conditions remain in effect during the time you hold that position. There are safeguards and seccurity precautions about the information collected, and serious restrictions and limitations on access to any of it.

Keep in mind, too, some of the outrageous security breaches by senior officials like the CIA's Ames, or the FBI's Hansen that were ignored for years despite obvious signs of something wrong, life showing up at work with a new Jaguar, regular fancy foreign trips, etc.

Of course. There's always that possibility, espeshally if you are working abroad, such as an international group or the CIA clandestine services. However I'm sure if your suspicious at all you can get a team of CIA engeineers to sweep your house for bugs.

On the other hand you also need to watch for the CIA watching you. Their still a bit on edge after the cold war and all so they keep tabs on all their members. Not wiretapping or anything illegal, but they'll keep a close eye on bank accounts, mental stability, overseas trips, etc etc.

You can never be too careful with national security secrets you know...

If you are in the US, if you are even the most unimportant person, they watch you. they have you in their databases (everything)

not only in US in every country, I MEAN EVERY! you can't have a complete private life. of course the levels are different in many countries.


and one more thing: your phone calls - your E-mail are all recorded and being watched.


and even there is no thing called surfing anonymous in the web. they release things and allow things that they can watch and control.

and one even more thing:: the whole world is captured and filmed by the US gov since 2003 using satellites.


even if you want to buy a burger from the corner restaurant you are being watched.

Privacy is dead was dead and will be dead (specially in the US)

The word, "chance," implies that there would be some other option. There is no other option. Of COURSE you'd be kept track of. That's part of the job; it's expected.

Yes. You would have to be cleared by the FBI in the beginning for any sensitive position. Then you would certainly be more at risk for people checking up on you.