Fact check: How is the auto pen secured to prevent unauthorized use?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the analyses provided, there is limited specific information about how autopens are secured to prevent unauthorized use. The sources reveal that autopens use smart cards or USB flash drives to store signatures and phrases ^[1], which represents one form of security measure. High-end machines used by governments cost between $5,000 to $20,000 each ^[1], suggesting these devices may incorporate more sophisticated security features than basic models.

The analyses indicate that autopens have been used by presidents for over 60 years ^[2] and are considered a common practice in Washington ^[3]. However, the sources do not provide detailed information about specific security protocols, access controls, or authentication measures that prevent unauthorized personnel from operating these devices.

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question lacks important context about the current political controversy surrounding autopen use. Recent developments show that President Donald Trump has accused former President Joe Biden's aides of using his autopen to carry out 'radical' policies without his knowledge or consent ^[4], highlighting significant concerns about potential unauthorized use.

Republican legislators have introduced the 'Ban on Inkless Directives and Executive Notarizations Act of 2025' (BIDEN Act), which aims to declare that engrossed bills, executive orders, pardons, and commutations may only be legally signed by the president and that an autopen device may not be used ^[5]. This legislative effort demonstrates that there are ongoing concerns about the security and appropriate use of autopens in high-level government functions.

The question also misses the distinction between different types of documents. Chairman Comer has acknowledged that using an autopen is acceptable at times, but not for legal documents ^[3], indicating that security concerns vary depending on the document's importance and legal significance.

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question assumes that autopens have adequate security measures in place by asking "how" they are secured, rather than "whether" they are adequately secured. This framing potentially overlooks the active investigations into Biden's use of autopen ^[6] and the legislative efforts to ban their use for certain critical documents ^[5].

The question fails to acknowledge the current political debate about whether autopens should be used at all for certain government functions, particularly given Trump's allegations about unauthorized use by Biden's aides ^[4]. This omission could lead to incomplete understanding of the security challenges and controversies surrounding these devices in government settings.