Furloughed Feds May Have to Turn in Cellphones, Other Mobile Devices

Federal employees forced off the job during a government shutdown may have to turn in their government-issued BlackBerrys, iPhones and other mobile devices, according to White House guidance on technology matters.

“Prohibitions of the Antideficiency Act extend to work performed from outside of the office, including via mobile devices or remote computer connections,” according to a Sept. 17 memo issued by the Office of Management and Budget. The Antideficiency Act makes it illegal for the federal government to engage in activities for which it is not funded.