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

PIDB Wants You to Shape Classification, Declassification and Information Security Reform

When President-Elect Joe Biden takes office at noon on January 20, 2021, Executive Order 13526 (E.O.) will be over 10 years old. The E.O. “prescribes a uniform system for classifying, safeguarding, and declassifying national security information, including information relating to defense against transnational terrorism”— but a lot has changed over the past decade. Transnational terrorism … Continue reading PIDB Wants You to Shape Classification, Declassification and Information Security Reform

Four Archivist and Records Management Organizations Embrace Calls for Improving Declassification by PIDB

Recommendations on Federal Archives and Records Management Issues, a report submitted last Tuesday (December 1, 2020) to President-Elect Joe Biden by four leading professional organizations of archivists and records managers records managers, cite the call for Government-wide declassification reform presented in the 2020 report to the President of the Public Interest Declassification Board (PIDB). The … Continue reading Four Archivist and Records Management Organizations Embrace Calls for Improving Declassification by PIDB

Gen. Hyten Finds Over-classification of Space Information Undermines National Security, Promises Reform

Speaking at the Schriever Space Futures Forum on November 20, 2020, Gen. John Hyten, Vice Chairman of the Joint Staff, argued that the over-classification of space information by the Department of Defense (DOD) delays the appropriate information sharing required to partner with U.S. allies and industry, and to deter adversaries in space. At the recent … Continue reading Gen. Hyten Finds Over-classification of Space Information Undermines National Security, Promises Reform

President Donald Trump Appoints Michael G. Lawrence and Benjamin A. Powell to the PIDB

On October 9, 2020, President Donald Trump appointed Michael G. Lawrence and Benjamin A. Powell to three-year terms as members of the Public Interest Declassification Board (PIDB). The PIDB members and staff welcome Mr. Lawrence and Mr. Powell, and look forward to working with them in continuing efforts to modernize the classification and declassification system … Continue reading President Donald Trump Appoints Michael G. Lawrence and Benjamin A. Powell to the PIDB

PIDB Virtual Public Meeting Video Now on NARA’s YouTube Channel

A video of the Virtual Public Meeting held on October 7, 2020, by the Public Interest Declassification Board (PIDB), is now available on the National Archives and Records Administration’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeeuyLn4kXA&feature=youtu.be. The video features participation by the Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero, and a discussion between Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and … Continue reading PIDB Virtual Public Meeting Video Now on NARA’s YouTube Channel

REMINDER: PIDB Public Meeting TOMORROW, Wednesday, October 7, 12:00-1:30 p.m.

Senator Ron Wyden and the Archivist of the United States to Speak at Online Public Meeting on Declassification Reform Register now to attend the Public Interest Declassification Board’s Virtual Public Meeting this Wednesday, October 7, 2020, from 12:00-1:30 p.m. To participate in this WebEx event, please register by 11:59 p.m., October 6, by completing the form at this link: https://ems8.intellor.com?do=register&t=1&p=833206. After registering, you … Continue reading REMINDER: PIDB Public Meeting TOMORROW, Wednesday, October 7, 12:00-1:30 p.m.