What did Executive Order 13526 establish in 2009?

Executive Order 13526, issued in 2009, established new standards for the classification of national security information. This order provided a more structured approach to the classification process, explicitly defining the categories for classification and declassification while emphasizing the need for transparency and reducing over-classification. It aimed to streamline the classification system, ensuring that information is classified only when absolutely necessary and according to established criteria that protect national security.

This enhancement to the classification framework is significant because it not only governs how information is deemed classified but also establishes the procedures for appropriately handling such information within the federal government. By setting forth clearer guidelines, it helps prevent unnecessary secrecy and promotes accountability among government agencies regarding their classification practices.