PIDB to Host Virtual Public Meeting on May 18, 2021

The Public Interest Declassification Board will host a virtual public meeting on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. The meeting will include an update on their June 2020 Report to the President, A Vision for the Digital Age: Modernization of the U.S. National Security Classification and Declassification System; discussions of records related … Continue reading PIDB to Host Virtual Public Meeting on May 18, 2021

PIDB Posts Agenda from Executive Session Teleconference Held on April 13, 2021

On Tuesday, April 13, 2021, the Public Interest Declassification Board (PIDB) met in executive session by video teleconference. PIDB Chair Ezra Cohen led the virtual meeting, which was attended by members Paul-Noel Chretien, Trey Gowdy, Michael Lawrence, Ben Powell, Alissa Starzak, and John Tierney. Stephannie Oriabure, Director of the Archival Operations Division, Legislative Archives, Presidential … Continue reading PIDB Posts Agenda from Executive Session Teleconference Held on April 13, 2021

PIDB Posts Agenda from Executive Session Teleconference Held on March 18, 2021

The Public Interest Declassification Board (PIDB) met in executive session by video teleconference on Thursday, March 18, 2021. PIDB Chair Ezra Cohen led the virtual meeting, which was attended by members Paul Noel Chretien, Trey Gowdy, Michael Lawrence, Ben Powell, Alissa Starzak, and John Tierney. At the session, archivists from the Center for Legislative Archives … Continue reading PIDB Posts Agenda from Executive Session Teleconference Held on March 18, 2021

Space Operations Chief Decries Over-classification and its Effect on Operations

Speaking last week (March 3, 2021) at a virtual event hosted by the National Press Club, the U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations Gen. John Raymond reiterated complaints about the over-classification of space information previously voiced by several U.S. Space Force and military officials. Gen. Raymond particularly stressed the importance of reducing over-classification to … Continue reading Space Operations Chief Decries Over-classification and its Effect on Operations

Open Government Groups Send Letter to President Biden

On Monday, February 22, 2021, a coalition of open-government organizations led by the American Civil Liberties Union and the Knight First Amendment Institute at Columbia University, submitted a letter to President Biden requesting "Swift Presidential Leadership to Make Transparency a Top Priority for the Biden Administration." The organizations included several requests in their letter that … Continue reading Open Government Groups Send Letter to President Biden

PIDB Posts Agenda from Executive Session Teleconference

On Thursday, February 18, 2021, the Public Interest Declassification Board (PIDB) held an executive session by video teleconference. PIDB Chair Ezra Cohen led the virtual meeting, which was attended by members John-Paul Chretien, Trey Gowdy, Michael Lawrence, Ben Powell, Alissa Starzak, and John Tierney. Their discussion focused on strategic planning for their activities in 2021. … Continue reading PIDB Posts Agenda from Executive Session Teleconference

Air Force and EPA Officials Discuss Need for Data Standards and the Benefits of Automating Classification

Speaking at an industry-sponsored WebEx on December 15, 2020, representatives of the United States Air Force (Air Force) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) discussed the value and importance of data management in expanding the application of data for use within their organizations. They emphasized the importance of establishing a common governance framework and metadata … Continue reading Air Force and EPA Officials Discuss Need for Data Standards and the Benefits of Automating Classification

President Trump Appoints Ezra Cohen as Chair and Member of the Public Interest Declassification Board

On January 11, 2021, President Donald Trump appointed Ezra Cohen to a three-year term as a member of the Public Interest Declassification Board (PIDB), including a two-year term as its Chair. The PIDB members and staff welcome Mr. Cohen and look forward to working with him in continuing efforts to modernize the classification and declassification … Continue reading President Trump Appoints Ezra Cohen as Chair and Member of the Public Interest Declassification Board

President Donald Trump Appoints Paul-Noel Chretien and Adam Telle to the PIDB

On December 30, 2020, President Donald Trump appointed Paul-Noel Chretien and Adam Telle to three-year terms as members of the Public Interest Declassification Board (PIDB). The PIDB members and staff welcome Mr. Chretien and Mr. Telle and look forward to working with them in continuing efforts to modernize the classification and declassification system to meet … Continue reading President Donald Trump Appoints Paul-Noel Chretien and Adam Telle to the PIDB

PIDB Posts Agenda from Executive Session Teleconference

On Wednesday, December 9, 2020, the Public Interest Declassification Board (PIDB) met in executive session. Acting Chair Alissa Starzak, and members Trey Gowdy, Michael Lawrence, and Ben Powell attended the virtual meeting.  They discussed areas of interest and a proposed schedule for 2021, including hosting four public meetings. The members anticipate that all meetings, once … Continue reading PIDB Posts Agenda from Executive Session Teleconference