Involvement in certain types of outside employment or activities is of security concern if it poses a conflict of interest with an individual’s security responsibilities and could create an increased risk of unauthorized disclosure of classified information. It is when an individual’s activities present a potential conflict with their role as a clearance holder that a national security concern exists. Conflicts of interest can take many forms, including employment, consulting, volunteering and political activities.

Of particular concern are three types of role conflict: 1) employment or service with a foreign government, organization or interest group, 2) foreign or domestic outside activities related to the individual’s area of expertise and 3) ideological conflict with core concepts of national security.