Executive Order 13292

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and in order to further amend Executive Order 12958, as amended, it is hereby ordered that Executive Order 12958 is amended to read as follows:

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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 Nations progress depends on the free flow of information. 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 Nations security remains a priority.

, 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
. Classification Standards.

. Classification Levels.

. Classification Authority.

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

. Duration of Classification.

. Identification and Markings.

. Classification Prohibitions and Limitations. {|style="margin: 0.5em 0em 0em 4.0em;"


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. Classification Challenges.

PART 2—DERIVATIVE CLASSIFICATION
. Use of Derivative Classification.

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


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PART 3—DECLASSIFICATION AND DOWNGRADING
. Authority for Declassification.

. Transferred Information.

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


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. Systematic Declassification Review.

. Mandatory Declassification Review. {|style="margin: 0.5em 0em 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
. General Restrictions on Access.

. Distribution Controls.

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


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


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PART 5—IMPLEMENTATION AND REVIEW
. Program Direction.

. Information Security Oversight Office.

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


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

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


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PART 6—GENERAL PROVISIONS
. Definitions.
 * For purposes of this order:

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. General Provisions.

. Effective Date.
 * This order is effective immediately, except for section 1.6, which shall become effective 180 days from the date of this order.


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, March 25, 2003. [FR Doc. 03–7736 Filed 3–27–03; 9:17 am] Billing Code 3195–01–P