Homeland Security puts CISA employees on administrative leave, reviews misinformation board

The Department of Homeland Security has taken action against Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) employees who were involved in spreading misinformation. According to a statement from DHS assistant secretary Tricia McLaughlin, some employees have been placed on administrative leave as the agency looks to refocus on its mission, particularly in the realm of election security.

In a move to combat misinformation ahead of the 2022 midterm elections, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas announced the creation of a “Disinformation Governance Board.” This board was tasked with addressing misinformation campaigns targeting minority communities. However, as the agency evaluates its election security mission, employees who worked on mis-, dis-, and malinformation, as well as foreign influence operations and disinformation, have been placed on administrative leave.

The Disinformation Governance Board was reportedly led by Undersecretary for Policy Rob Silvers and principal deputy general counsel Jennifer Gaskill. Nina Jankowicz, a former disinformation fellow at the Wilson Center, served as the executive director of the board, according to Politico.

As the agency conducts its assessment, it is clear that addressing misinformation and disinformation is a top priority for CISA. By taking proactive measures to address these issues, the agency is working to uphold the integrity of the electoral process and protect against foreign influence operations.

It is essential for government agencies like CISA to be vigilant in combating misinformation, particularly in the digital age where false information can spread rapidly. By holding employees accountable for their involvement in spreading misinformation, the Department of Homeland Security is sending a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated.

In conclusion, the efforts to combat misinformation and disinformation are crucial in safeguarding the integrity of our democratic processes. By taking decisive action against employees involved in spreading misinformation, CISA is demonstrating its commitment to upholding election security and protecting against foreign influence operations.