If you’ve seen the headlines lately, you’ve probably come across the indictment of New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who’s alleged to have received a generous array of gifts and luxury hospitality. The indictment alleges that, for nearly a decade, Adams used his prominent positions in New York City government to obtain illegal campaign contributions and luxury travel and he solicited and accepted these benefits from foreign nationals, businessmen, and others.  

As a New Yorker, this headline isn’t new to me, but it’s also a stark reminder of the thin line between a “friendly gesture” and a full-blown corruption scandal—especially when it comes to government officials. 

At OneTrust, we take gifts and hospitality seriously. Our policies are in place for good reason: to prevent conflicts of interest and, more importantly, to protect the integrity of our business relationships and reputation for integrity. This isn't just about avoiding bad press (though that’s a nice side benefit). It’s about making sure we’re not crossing ethical lines, particularly when dealing with public officials. 

What starts as a token of goodwill—a dinner, a VIP event, donation to a favored charity, a lavish gift—can quickly turn into something that looks more like an attempt to influence decision-making. And if you’re dealing with a government official, those optics matter even more. There’s no quicker way to erode trust than to appear like you’re playing favorites or trying to curry favor through perks. 

Our anti-bribery, anti-corruption, and gifts & hospitality policies are designed to make sure we stay on the right side of these issues. So read them and understand them. And reach out to the Ethics & Compliance team ([email protected]) if you have questions.  

In short: be smart, be transparent, and don’t let generosity trip you up.