Public Interest Declassification Board Launches Transforming Classification Blog
Press Release · Thursday, March 17, 2011

Washington, DC

The Public Interest Declassification Board (the Board) has launched a new blog, Transforming Classification, to solicit public comments on its draft proposals to the President for transforming the classification and declassification system.

In December 2009, President Obama asked the Board to design a fundamental transformation of the security classification system. In response to his request, the Board has developed proposals to address the shortcomings of the current system and tackle the challenges of digital records. By reducing inefficiencies and increasing public access, its proposals aim to improve the classification and declassification system’s capacity to protect and serve the American people.

Every other Wednesday over the next eight weeks, the Board will post two to three “white paper” synopses to the blog describing an element of their proposed transformation. Members of the public are encouraged to review these white papers, offer comments, and respond to the comments of others. The blog will be open for public comment through May 4, 2011.

The blog can be accessed via the Board’s web site [http://www.archives.gov/pidb/] or directly at [http://blogs.archives.gov/transformingclassification].

The first two white papers concern means of using technology to improve classification, information management, and declassification. Future white papers will tackle some of the longstanding obstacles to efficient declassification, including interagency referrals and the treatment of historical nuclear information.

The Public Interest Declassification Board is an advisory committee established by Congress to promote the fullest possible public access to a thorough, accurate, and reliable documentary record of significant U.S. national security decisions and activities. Appointed by the President and Congressional leadership, the Board is composed of former senior leaders in the Executive and Legislative branches and distinguished members of the press and the academy. More information on the Board is available on their web site [http://www.archives.gov/pidb/].

For more information, contact the Public Interest Declassification Board staff at 202-357-5250 or pidb@nara.gov.

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For Press information, contact the National Archives Public Affairs staff at 202-357-5300.

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