Systematic Review for Declassification of National Security Information--Do Benefits Exceed Costs?

A review was undertaken of the systematic declassification review program provided for in Executive Order 12065. Under Executive Order 12065, the National Archives and Records Service (NARS) is required to review all classified records considered to be of permanent value as they become 20 years old to determine if they can be declassified. One exception is foreign government information, which must remain classified until it becomes 30 years old. Additionally, the National Security Council is responsible for providing overall policy direction for agencies to use in implementing the Order, and the Administrator of General Services is responsible for implementing and monitoring the classification program through its Information Security Oversight Office.