# Old declassified docs with blacked out portions

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-declassified-docs-with-blacked-out-portions/435873>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [February 1, 2008, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-declassified-docs-with-blacked-out-portions/435873 "2008-02-01T17:58:54Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Slypork](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9fc29f/32.png) [@Slypork](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slypork)\
**Post date:** [February 1, 2008, 5:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-declassified-docs-with-blacked-out-portions/435873/1 "2008-02-01T17:58:54Z")

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Occasionally the government will declassify a document either because a long time has passed or because of a Freedom of Information request. Sometimes there will still be blacked out areas because of security reasons (national security being the main reason but confidentiality of intelligence sources is frequently given).

How long after a document is declassified do they remove the blacked out portions? Are there docs from WW2 that still have blacked out portions today? I can understand about intelligence docs that go back to the 60’s because some of the people involved might still be alive or even still be in government service, but what about older items? What is the oldest declassified doc that still has blacked out portions?

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**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\
**Post date:** [February 1, 2008, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-declassified-docs-with-blacked-out-portions/435873/2 "2008-02-01T19:56:57Z")

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I was watching something one day. I _beleive_ it was “in the year 2000” on Conan. The line was  
“In the year 2000, the government will stop highlighting things with a magic marker”

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**Author:** ![Gfactor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9de053/32.png) [@Gfactor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gfactor)\
**Post date:** [February 1, 2008, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-declassified-docs-with-blacked-out-portions/435873/3 "2008-02-01T20:08:08Z")

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The technical word for blacked out is redacted. [ISOO Directive No. 1; Appendix A](http://www.fas.org/sgp/isoo/isoodir1a.html) Here is an article that talks about a recent incident where the CIA had some issues with redaction: [http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Watchdog\_says\_CIA\_mishandling\_declassification\_duties\_1206.html](http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Watchdog_says_CIA_mishandling_declassification_duties_1206.html)

_And see_, [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi\_qa3947/is\_199904/ai\_n8832389](http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3947/is_199904/ai_n8832389)

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**Author:** ![Gfactor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/9de053/32.png) [@Gfactor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gfactor)\
**Post date:** [February 1, 2008, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-declassified-docs-with-blacked-out-portions/435873/4 "2008-02-01T20:26:23Z")

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And here is the basic scheme regarding duration of classification:

> [@](#):
>
> Sec. 1.5. Duration of Classification. (a) At the time of original classification, the original classification authority shall attempt to establish a specific date or event for declassification based upon the duration of the national security sensitivity of the information. Upon reaching the date or event, the information shall be automatically declassified. The date or event shall not exceed the time frame established in paragraph (b) of this section.
> 
> (b) If the original classification authority cannot determine an earlier specific date or event for declassification, information shall be marked for declassification 10 years from the date of the original decision, unless the original classification authority otherwise determines that the sensitivity of the information requires that it shall be marked for declassification for up to 25 years from the date of the original decision. All information classified under this section shall be subject to section 3.3 of this order if it is contained in records of permanent historical value under title 44, United States Code.
> 
> (c) An original classification authority may extend the duration of classification, change the level of classification, or reclassify specific information only when the standards and procedures for classifying information under this order are followed.
> 
> (d) Information marked for an indefinite duration of classification under predecessor orders, for example, marked as “Originating Agencys Determination Required,” or information classified under predecessor orders that contains no declassification instructions shall be declassified in accordance with part 3 of this order.

[http://www.fas.org/sgp/bush/eoamend.html](http://www.fas.org/sgp/bush/eoamend.html)

> [@](#):
>
> Sec. 3.3. Automatic Declassification. (a) Subject to paragraphs (b)-(e) of this section, on December 31, 2006, all classified records that (1) are more than 25 years old and (2) have been determined to have permanent historical value under title 44, United States Code, shall be automatically declassified whether or not the records have been reviewed. Subsequently, all classified records shall be automatically declassified on December 31 of the year that is 25 years from the date of its original classification, except as provided in paragraphs (b)-(e) of this section.
> 
> (b) An agency head may exempt from automatic declassification under paragraph (a) of this section specific information, the release of which could be expected to:
> 
> ```
> (1) reveal the identity of a confidential human source, or a human intelligence source, or reveal information about the application of an intelligence source or method;
> 
> (2) reveal information that would assist in the development or use of weapons of mass destruction;
> 
> (3) reveal information that would impair U.S. cryptologic systems or activities;
> 
> (4) reveal information that would impair the application of state of the art technology within a U.S. weapon system;
> 
> (5) reveal actual U.S. military war plans that remain in effect;
> 
> (6) reveal information, including foreign government information, that would seriously and demonstrably impair relations between the United States and a foreign government, or seriously and demonstrably undermine ongoing diplomatic activities of the United States;
> 
> (7) reveal information that would clearly and demonstrably impair the current ability of United States Government officials to protect the President, Vice President, and other protectees for whom protection services, in the interest of the national security, are authorized;
> 
> (8) reveal information that would seriously and demonstrably impair current national security emergency preparedness plans or reveal current vulnerabilities of systems, installations, infrastructures, or projects relating to the national security; or
> 
> (9) violate a statute, treaty, or international agreement.
> 
> ```
> 
> (c) An agency head shall notify the President through the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs of any specific file series of records for which a review or assessment has determined that the information within that file series almost invariably falls within one or more of the exemption categories listed in paragraph (b) of this section and which the agency proposes to exempt from automatic declassification. The notification shall include:
> 
> ```
> (1) a description of the file series;
> 
> (2) an explanation of why the information within the file series is almost invariably exempt from automatic declassification and why the information must remain classified for a longer period of time; and
> 
> (3) except for the identity of a confidential human source or a human intelligence source, as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a specific date or event for declassification of the information.
> 
> ```
> 
> The President may direct the agency head not to exempt the file series or to declassify the information within that series at an earlier date than recommended. File series exemptions previously approved by the President shall remain valid without any additional agency action.
> 
> (d) At least 180 days before information is automatically declassified under this section, an agency head or senior agency official shall notify the Director of the Information Security Oversight Office, serving as Executive Secretary of the Panel, of any specific information beyond that included in a notification to the President under paragraph (c) of this section that the agency proposes to exempt from automatic declassification. The notification shall include:
> 
> ```
> (1) a description of the information, either by reference to information in specific records or in the form of a declassification guide;
> 
> (2) an explanation of why the information is exempt from automatic declassification and must remain classified for a longer period of time; and
> 
> (3) except for the identity of a confidential human source or a human intelligence source, as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, a specific date or event for declassification of the information. The Panel may direct the agency not to exempt the information or to declassify it at an earlier date than recommended. The agency head may appeal such a decision to the President through the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs. The information will remain classified while such an appeal is pending.
> 
> ```
> 
> (e) The following provisions shall apply to the onset of automatic declassification:
> 
> ```
> (1) Classified records within an integral file block, as defined in this order, that are otherwise subject to automatic declassification under this section shall not be automatically declassified until December 31 of the year that is 25 years from the date of the most recent record within the file block.
> 
> (2) By notification to the Director of the Information Security Oversight Office, before the records are subject to automatic declassification, an agency head or senior agency official designated under section 5.4 of this order may delay automatic declassification for up to 5 additional years for classified information contained in microforms, motion pictures, audiotapes, videotapes, or comparable media that make a review for possible declassification exemptions more difficult or costly.
> 
> (3) By notification to the Director of the Information Security Oversight Office, before the records are subject to automatic declassification, an agency head or senior agency official designated under section 5.4 of this order may delay automatic declassification for up to 3 years for classified records that have been referred or transferred to that agency by another agency less than 3 years before automatic declassification would otherwise be required.
> 
> (4) By notification to the Director of the Information Security Oversight Office, an agency head or senior agency official designated under section 5.4 of this order may delay automatic declassification for up to 3 years from the date of discovery of classified records that were inadvertently not reviewed prior to the effective date of automatic declassification.
> 
> ```
> 
> (f) Information exempted from automatic declassification under this section shall remain subject to the mandatory and systematic declassification review provisions of this order.

[http://www.fas.org/sgp/bush/eoamend.html](http://www.fas.org/sgp/bush/eoamend.html)

> [@](#):
>
> Sec. 3.4. Systematic Declassification Review. (a) Each agency that has originated classified information under this order or its predecessors shall establish and conduct a program for systematic declassification review. This program shall apply to records of permanent historical value exempted from automatic declassification under section 3.3 of this order. Agencies shall prioritize the systematic review of records based upon the degree of researcher interest and the likelihood of declassification upon review.
> 
> (b) The Archivist shall conduct a systematic declassification review program for classified records: (1) accessioned into the National Archives as of the effective date of this order; (2) transferred to the Archivist pursuant to section 2203 of title 44, United States Code; and (3) for which the National Archives serves as the custodian for an agency or organization that has gone out of existence. This program shall apply to pertinent records no later than 25 years from the date of their creation. The Archivist shall establish priorities for the systematic review of these records based upon the degree of researcher interest and the likelihood of declassification upon review. These records shall be reviewed in accordance with the standards of this order, its implementing directives, and declassification guides provided to the Archivist by each agency that originated the records. The Director of the Information Security Oversight Office shall ensure that agencies provide the Archivist with adequate and current declassification guides.
> 
> (c) After consultation with affected agencies, the Secretary of Defense may establish special procedures for systematic review for declassification of classified cryptologic information, and the Director of Central Intelligence may establish special procedures for systematic review for declassification of classified information pertaining to intelligence activities (including special activities), or intelligence sources or methods.
> 
> Sec. 3.5. Mandatory Declassification Review. (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, all information classified under this order or predecessor orders shall be subject to a review for declassification by the originating agency if:
> 
> ```
> (1) the request for a review describes the document or material containing the information with sufficient specificity to enable the agency to locate it with a reasonable amount of effort;
> 
> (2) the information is not exempted from search and review under sections 105C, 105D, or 701 of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 403-5c, 403-5e, and 431); and
> 
> (3) the information has not been reviewed for declassification within the past 2 years. If the agency has reviewed the information within the past 2 years, or the information is the subject of pending litigation, the agency shall inform the requester of this fact and of the requesters appeal rights.
> 
> ```
> 
> (b) Information originated by:
> 
> ```
> (1) the incumbent President or, in the performance of executive duties, the incumbent Vice President;
> 
> (2) the incumbent Presidents White House Staff or, in the performance of executive duties, the incumbent Vice Presidents Staff;
> 
> (3) committees, commissions, or boards appointed by the incumbent President; or
> 
> (4) other entities within the Executive Office of the President that solely advise and assist the incumbent President is exempted from the provisions of paragraph (a) of this section. However, the Archivist shall have the authority to review, downgrade, and declassify papers or records of former Presidents under the control of the Archivist pursuant to sections 2107, 2111, 2111 note, or 2203 of title 44, United States Code. Review procedures developed by the Archivist shall provide for consultation with agencies having primary subject matter interest and shall be consistent with the provisions of applicable laws or lawful agreements that pertain to the respective Presidential papers or records. Agencies with primary subject matter interest shall be notified promptly of the Archivists decision. Any final decision by the Archivist may be appealed by the requester or an agency to the Panel. The information shall remain classified pending a prompt decision on the appeal.
> 
> ```
> 
> (c) Agencies conducting a mandatory review for declassification shall declassify information that no longer meets the standards for classification under this order. They shall release this information unless withholding is otherwise authorized and warranted under applicable law.
> 
> (d) In accordance with directives issued pursuant to this order, agency heads shall develop procedures to process requests for the mandatory review of classified information. These procedures shall apply to information classified under this or predecessor orders. They also shall provide a means for administratively appealing a denial of a mandatory review request, and for notifying the requester of the right to appeal a final agency decision to the Panel.
> 
> (e) After consultation with affected agencies, the Secretary of Defense shall develop special procedures for the review of cryptologic information; the Director of Central Intelligence shall develop special procedures for the review of information pertaining to intelligence activities (including special activities), or intelligence sources or methods; and the Archivist shall develop special procedures for the review of information accessioned into the National Archives.

\*Id. \*

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Slypork](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9fc29f/32.png) [@Slypork](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Slypork)\
**Post date:** [February 1, 2008, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-declassified-docs-with-blacked-out-portions/435873/5 "2008-02-01T20:35:40Z")

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Holy archives, **Gfactor**! Thanks for the info.

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**Author:** ![DiggitCamara](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/df788c/32.png) [@DiggitCamara](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DiggitCamara)\
**Post date:** [February 5, 2008, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/old-declassified-docs-with-blacked-out-portions/435873/6 "2008-02-05T15:41:23Z")

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Not to demerit **GFactor** ’s excellent answer, but:  
[Obligatory reference to “The Onion”](http://www.theonion.com/content/node/43014)