Executive Order 12958

This order prescribes a uniform system for classifying, safeguarding, and declassifying national security information. 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. Nevertheless, throughout our history, the national interest has required that certain information be maintained in confidence in order to protect our citizens, our democratic institutions, and our participation within the community of nations. Protecting information critical to our Nation's security remains a priority. In recent years, however, dramatic changes have altered, although not eliminated, the national security threats that we confront. These changes provide a greater opportunity to emphasize our commitment to open Government.

, 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
. Definitions.
 * For purposes of this order:

. Classification Standards.

. Classification Levels.

. Classification Authority.

. Classification Categories.
 * Information may not be considered for classification unless it concerns:

. Duration of Classification.

. Identification and Markings. {|style="margin: 0.5em 0em 1.0em 4.0em;"

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. Classification Prohibitions and Limitations.

. Classification Challenges.

PART 2—DERIVATIVE CLASSIFICATION
. Definitions.
 * For purposes of this order:

. Use of Derivative Classification.

. Classification Guides. {|style="margin: 0.5em 0em 1.0em 4.0em;"


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PART 3—DECLASSIFICATION AND DOWNGRADING
. Definitions.
 * For purposes of this order:

. Authority for Declassification.

. Transferred Information.

. Automatic Declassification. {|style="margin: 0.5em 0em 1.0em 4.0em;"


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. Systematic Declassification Review.

. Mandatory Declassification Review. {|style="margin: 0.5em 0em 1.0em 4.0em;"


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. Processing Requests and Reviews.
 * In response to a request for information under the Freedom of Information Act, the Privacy Act of 1974, or the mandatory review provisions of this order, or pursuant to the automatic declassification or systematic review provisions of this order:

. Declassification Database.

PART 4—SAFEGUARDING
. Definitions.
 * For purposes of this order:

. General Restrictions on Access.

. Distribution Controls.

. Special Access Programs. {|style="margin: 0.5em 0em 1.0em 4.0em;"


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. Access by Historical Researchers and Former Presidential Appointees. {|style="margin: 0.5em 1.0em 0em 4.0em;"


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PART 5—IMPLEMENTATION AND REVIEW
. Definitions.
 * For purposes of this order:

. Program Direction.

. Information Security Oversight Office.

. Interagency Security Classification Appeals Panel. {|style="margin: 0.5em 0em 1.0em 4.0em;"


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. Information Security Policy Advisory Council.

. General Responsibilities.
 * Heads of agencies that originate or handle classified information shall:

. Sanctions. {|style="margin: 0.5em 0em 1.0em 4.0em;"


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PART 6—GENERAL PROVISIONS
. General Provisions.

. Effective Date.
 * This order shall become effective 180 days from the date of this order.



, April 17, 1995. [FR Doc. 95–9941 Filed 4–18–95; 2:04 pm] Billing Code 3195–01–P