Executive Order 13526 - Obama

Executive Order 13526 of December 29, 2009

Classified National Security Information

This order prescribes a uniform system for classifying, safeguarding, and declassifying national security information, including information relating to defense against transnational terrorism. Our democratic principles require that the American people be informed of the activities of their Government. Also, our Nation's progress depends on the free flow of information both within the Government and to the American people. Nevertheless, throughout our history, the national defense has required that certain information be maintained in confidence in order to protect our citizens, our democratic institutions, our homeland security, and our interactions with foreign nations. Protecting information critical to our Nation's security and demonstrating our commitment to open Government through accurate and accountable application of classification standards and routine, secure, and effective declassification are equally important priorities.

Now, Therefore, I, Barack Obama , by the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

PART 1 — ORIGINAL CLASSIFICATION

 * Section 1.1. Classification Standards.


 * Sec. 1.2. Classification Levels.


 * Sec. 1.3. Classification Authority.


 * Sec. 1.4. Classification Categories.
 * Information shall not be considered for classification unless its unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause identifiable or describable damage to the national security in accordance with section 1.2 of this order, and it pertains to one or more of the following:


 * Sec. 1.5. Duration of Classification.


 * Sec. 1.6. Identification and Markings.


 * Sec. 1.7. Classification Prohibitions and Limitations.


 * Sec. 1.8. Classification Challenges.


 * Sec. 1.9. Fundamental Classification Guidance Review.

PART 2 — DERIVATIVE CLASSIFICATION

 * Sec. 2.1. Use of Derivative Classification.


 * Sec. 2.2. Classification Guides.

PART 3 — DECLASSIFICATION AND DOWNGRADING

 * Sec. 3.1. Authority for Declassification.


 * Sec. 3.2. Transferred Records.


 * Sec. 3.3. Automatic Declassification.


 * Sec. 3.4. Systematic Declassification Review.


 * <span id="Sec._3.5." style="font-weight:bold;">Sec. 3.5. Mandatory Declassification Review.


 * <span id="Sec._3.6." style="font-weight:bold;">Sec. 3.6. Processing Requests and Reviews.
 * <p style="text-indent:inherit;">Notwithstanding section 4.1(i) of this order, in response to a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act, the Presidential Records Act, the Privacy Act of 1974, or the mandatory review provisions of this order:


 * <span id="Sec._3.7." style="font-weight:bold;">Sec. 3.7. National Declassification Center.

PART 4 — SAFEGUARDING

 * <span id="Sec._4.1." style="font-weight:bold;">Sec. 4.1. General Restrictions on Access. 


 * <span id="Sec._4.2." style="font-weight:bold;">Sec. 4.2. Distribution Controls.


 * <span id="Sec._4.3." style="font-weight:bold;">Sec. 4.3. Special Access Programs.


 * <span id="Sec._4.4." style="font-weight:bold;">Sec. 4.4. Access by Historical Researchers and Certain Former Government Personnel.

PART 5 — IMPLEMENTATION AND REVIEW

 * <span id="Sec._5.1." style="font-weight:bold;">Sec. 5.1. Program Direction.


 * <span id="Sec._5.2." style="font-weight:bold;">Sec. 5.2. Information Security Oversight Office.


 * <span id="Sec._5.3." style="font-weight:bold;">Sec. 5.3. Interagency Security Classification Appeals Panel.


 * <span id="Sec._5.4." style="font-weight:bold;">Sec. 5.4. General Responsibilities.
 * <p style="text-indent:inherit;">Heads of agencies that originate or handle classified information shall:


 * <span id="Sec._5.5." style="font-weight:bold;">Sec. 5.5. Sanctions.

PART 6 — GENERAL PROVISIONS

 * <span id="Sec._6.1." style="font-weight:bold;">Sec. 6.1. Definitions.
 * <p style="text-indent:inherit;">For purposes of this order:


 * <span id="Sec._6.2." style="font-weight:bold;">Sec. 6.2. General Provisions.


 * <span id="Sec._6.3." style="font-weight:bold;">Sec. 6.3. Effective Date.
 * <p style="text-indent:inherit;">This order is effective 180 days from the date of this order, except for sections 1.7, 3.3, and 3.7, which are effective immediately.


 * <span id="Sec._6.4." style="font-weight:bold;">Sec. 6.4. Publication.
 * <p style="text-indent:inherit;">The Archivist of the United States shall publish this Executive Order in the Federal Register.

Barack Obama The White House ,December 29, 2009.<sup class="plainlinks" id="ref_Correction_Made">NOTE [FR Doc. E9–31418 Filed 1–4–10; 11:15 am] Billing Code 7515–01–P<sup class="plainlinks" id="ref_Cite_Correction">NOTE [FR Doc. C1–2009–31418 Filed 1–6–10; 2:00 pm] Billing Code 1505–01–D