Stuff You Should Know How Classified Information Works
Jan 20, 2022
Delve into the murky world of classified information, where secrets reign supreme. Discover the historical roots of national security and how technology complicates classification. Learn about the delicate balance between confidentiality and the risks of disclosure, especially from the atomic age. Unpack the dangers of overclassification and its potential to fuel authoritarianism. The conversation also highlights the crucial role of court reporters, who navigate the complexities of legal processes tied to these secrets.
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Classified Information System
- Classified information involves designating secrets based on their potential damage to national security.
- The system controls who can access these different levels of classified information.
History of Classified Information
- Historically, keeping state secrets was simpler due to a lack of technology and bureaucracy.
- Modern classification systems arose from technological advancements, bureaucratic growth, and nuclear weapons development.
Early Classification and Technology
- In 1869, the War Department issued General Order No. 35 due to the invention of cameras.
- This order restricted photography in and around forts, marking the first acknowledgment of technology's impact on secrecy.