Security Review Board for Classification Matters Across Government Agencies
The Interagency Security Classification Appeals Panel (ISCAP) is an essential component of the U.S. government's classified information management system, established by Executive Order 13526.
Role and Establishment
ISCAP serves as a final administrative review body for classification challenges, declassification decisions, and classification guidance disputes within government agencies. Its primary goal is to promote consistency and impartiality in classification decisions, preventing improper or inconsistent classification actions.
Functions
The panel's functions include hearing appeals of classification or declassification decisions, reviewing agency classification guidelines, issuing findings and recommendations on classification disputes, overseeing the declassification of records, and deciding on requests for mandatory declassification reviews when agencies disagree on classification.
Membership
ISCAP is composed of senior officials from several executive branch departments and agencies, including the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, the Director of National Intelligence, and other key agencies responsible for handling classified information.
Weekly Updates and Contact Information
ISCAP posts weekly updates on its blog, ISOO Overview, for interested stakeholders. The public and users of the classification system can contact the Interagency Security Classification Appeals Panel via email at [email protected], [email protected], or [email protected].
Decision Communication
ISCAP informs senior agency officials and the public of final Panel decisions on appeals under Sections 1.8 and 3.5 of E.O. 13526. The panel approves, denies, or amends agency exemptions from automatic declassification and decides on agency requests to exempt a designated file series from automatic declassification at 25 years.
Mandatory Declassification Review Appeals
ISCAP also decides on mandatory declassification review appeals by parties whose requests for declassification have been denied at the agency level.
Establishment and Evolution
The Interagency Security Classification Appeals Panel was first established under Executive Order 12958, "Classified National Security Information," on April 17, 1995. Since then, it has been meeting regularly, with the Director of ISOO serving as the Executive Secretary, and ISOO staff providing program and administrative support for the panel.
In conclusion, the Interagency Security Classification Appeals Panel plays a crucial role in ensuring fairness and consistency in the U.S. government's classified information management system. By providing a forum for further review of classification decisions, ISCAP aims to ensure an informed public while protecting certain information.
The Interagency Security Classification Appeals Panel (ISCAP) plays a significant role in the realm of policy-and-legislation, particularly in the context of politics and general-news, as it serves as the final administrative body for challenging and disputing classification decisions within the U.S. government. ISCAP's functions and decisions can be closely followed through their weekly updates on the ISOO Overview blog and their contact information for the public.
