What did Executive Order 13526 establish?

Executive Order 13526 established new standards for the classification of national security information, providing a comprehensive framework for the classification system that governs how sensitive information is handled. This order outlines the criteria for classifying information and mandates that classifications must be reviewed periodically. It was designed to enhance the protection of national security information while also promoting transparency and ensuring that the classification of information is necessary and justifiable.

This Executive Order replaced earlier directives and set a clear structure for how federal agencies should manage classified information, with specific guidelines that include the levels of classification (Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret) and the proper marking and handling of such information. The focus on establishing standards is critical for maintaining consistency across government agencies in protecting sensitive data.