FAS

Administering Classification Policy at ODNI

02.09.11 | 1 min read | Text by Steven Aftergood

At the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, “The original classification of information is rarely necessary,” according to an October 2010 ODNI Instruction.  But that’s because most relevant information is already classified.  There is not much need for new classification activity.

Several recent ODNI Instructions that govern the administration of the classification and declassification programs within the Office were released this week under the Freedom of Information Act (all pdf):

“Classification of ODNI Information,” ODNI Instruction 80.12, October 25, 2010.

“Original Classification Authority Delegation,” ODNI Instruction 80.16, October 21, 2010.

“ODNI Director, Information Management,” ODNI Instruction 10.20, May 18, 2009.

“Particular care should be exercised to avoid both over and under classifying ODNI information,” the Instructions say.

publications
See all publications
Global Risk
Press release
Nuclear Notebook: Russian Nuclear Weapons 2025 Federation of American Scientists Unveils Comprehensive Analysis of Russia’s Nuclear Arsenal

Russia currently maintains nearly 5,460 nuclear warheads, with an estimated 1,718 deployed. This represents a slight decrease in total warheads from previous years but still positions Russia as the world’s largest nuclear power alongside the United States.

05.13.25 | 3 min read
read more
Clean Energy
Blog
AI, Energy, and Climate: What’s at Stake? Hint: A lot.

The stakes are high: how we manage this convergence will influence not only the pace of technological innovation but also the equity and sustainability of our energy future.

05.12.25 | 6 min read
read more
Government Capacity
Blog
Bridging Innovation and Expertise: Connecting Federal Talent to America’s Tech Ecosystems

We’re launching an initiative to connect scientists, engineers, technologists, and other professionals who recently departed federal service with emerging innovation ecosystems across the country that need their expertise.

05.09.25 | 5 min read
read more
Environment
Press release
The Federation of American Scientists Joins Coalition to Prepare for and Prevent Wildfires

With wildfire risk increasing and the potential for destruction along with it continues to grow nationwide, the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) today joins with other organizations to launch a new coalition, Partners in Wildfire Prevention.

05.07.25 | 3 min read
read more