Avoidable Errors Led to Loss of SEC Chair Gensler’s Text Messages
The Office of Inspector General revealed that mismanagement by the SEC’s IT department resulted in the permanent deletion of nearly a year’s worth of text messages from former Chair Gary Gensler’s government-issued device. A poorly implemented automated policy triggered an enterprise wipe, erasing communications from October 2022 to September 2023.
Federal recordkeeping failures undermine transparency and accountability—cornerstones of regulatory integrity. The report underscores systemic vulnerabilities in how agencies handle electronic records, with five corrective recommendations aimed at preventing future lapses.