National Archives Issues Proposed Rule on “Controlled Unclassified Information”

The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) recently issued a Proposed Rule on “Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)” in the Federal Register. To access the proposed rule, click here.

CUI is information that, while sensitive, does not meet the higher level of security restrictions needed to qualify as classified. The challenge of how to develop a consistent definition and handling directions for this material has dogged the federal government for decades. There are estimates that agencies use more than 100 different markings to designate CUI. The proposed rule is an attempt to provide a uniform government-wide process for managing CUI.

NARA is holding a public meeting on the proposed rule on May 28, 2015, at 9:30 a.m. at the William G. McGowan Theater at the National Archives main building.  RSVPs are required in advance since seating is limited to a first come basis. Send RSVPs to cui@nara.gov or 202-357-6870. Access to the meeting will be through the Special Events entrance of the National Archives Building on Constitution Avenue and 7th Street, NW.

Comments on the proposed rule are due by July 7, 2015.

For an analysis of the proposed CUI rule and its impact click here to read an article by noted national security expert Steven Aftergood in Secrecy News.