Final answer:
Secret information should be sent via USPS with caution, using secure methods that ensure the material is protected from alteration and unauthorized access, especially since USPS employs x-ray technology to irradiate suspicious mail for security purposes.
Step-by-step explanation:
When sending secret information via the United States Postal Service (USPS), special precautions must be taken to ensure the security and integrity of the mail. Since USPS and the FBI have installed x-ray generators to irradiate suspicious mail sent to government facilities to counter bioterrorism threats, any secret information that could be compromised by such measures should be considered. It's important to note that x-ray irradiation can alter the physical properties of mail, such as color, texture, and smell, because it chemically changes the composition of the paper. Furthermore, when dealing with confidential information, trusted and secure mailing methods should be employed that align with government and organizational guidelines for the handling of sensitive material.
The USPS operates as a government corporation and has historically been a key player in the dissemination of mail and messages since the times of ancient civilizations like Persia. Recently, the USPS has been scrutinized for operational changes under Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, which have led to debates about the service's efficiency and political neutrality. When expressing concern about the private nature of communication, particularly over email, it is critical to remember that once an email is sent, the content could potentially be viewed by many unintended recipients. This underscores the importance of selecting a send method with due diligence and consideration for the nature of the information being transported.