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{{Short description|Status granted to individuals allowing them access to classified information or to restricted areas}}
{{Short description|Permission to access restricted information}}
{{lead too short|date=January 2017}}
{{lead too short|date=January 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}


A '''security clearance''' is a status granted to individuals allowing them access to [[classified information]] (state or organizational [[secret]]s) or to [[Exclusion zone|restricted areas]], after completion of a thorough [[background check]]. The term "security clearance" is also sometimes used in private organizations that have a formal process to [[Vetting|vet]] employees for access to sensitive information. A clearance by itself is normally not sufficient to gain access; the organization must also determine that the cleared individual [[need to know|needs to know]] specific information. No individual is supposed to be granted automatic access to classified information solely because of rank, position, or a security clearance.<ref>(Abiodun, 2006)</ref>
A '''security clearance''' is a status granted to individuals allowing them access to [[classified information]] (state or organizational [[secret]]s) or to [[Exclusion zone|restricted areas]], after completion of a thorough [[background check]]. The term "security clearance" is also sometimes used in private organizations that have a formal process to [[Vetting|vet]] employees for access to sensitive information. A clearance by itself is normally not sufficient to gain access; the organization must also determine that the cleared individual [[need to know|needs to know]] specific information. No individual is supposed to be granted automatic access to classified information solely because of rank, position, or a security clearance.<ref>(Abiodun, 2006)</ref>{{Full citation needed|date=October 2024}}


==Canada==
==Canada==
{{Hatnote|This section deals with access to sensitive government information. ''''Police Security Certificate'''' or similar terminology for immigration or employment purposes usually refers to [[Criminal record#Screening|Criminal Record Check or Police Information Check]]. '''Transportation Security Clearance Program''', operated by [[Transport Canada]] mandatory for marine and airport workers for the purpose of entering restricted area, '''Human Pathogens and Toxins Act Security Clearance''' operated by [[Public Health Agency of Canada]], '''Cannabis Licensing Security Clearance''' operated by [[Health Canada]] or '''Controlled Goods Program''' operated by the [[Public Services and Procurement Canada]] are not within the topic in this article.}}
<br>
{{Further|Classified information#Canada}}
{{Further|Classified information#Canada}}
{{Excerpt|Canada security clearance}}

===Background===
[[Government of Canada|Government]] classified information is governed by the [[Treasury Board]] Standard on Security Screening, the ''[[Security of Information Act]]'' and ''[[Privacy Act (Canada)|Privacy Act]]''. Only those that are deemed to be loyal and reliable, and have been cleared are allowed to access sensitive information. The policy was most recently revised on 20 October 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=28115|title=Standard on Security Screening|work=tbs-sct.gc.ca|date=17 October 2014}}</ref>

Checks include basic demographic and [[fingerprint]] based criminal record checks for all levels, and, depending on an individual appointment's requirements, credit checks, loyalty, and field checks might be conducted by the [[Royal Canadian Mounted Police|RCMP]] and/or [[Canadian Security Intelligence Service|CSIS]].

Clearance is granted, depending on types of appointment, by individual Federal government departments or agencies or by private company security officers. Those who have contracts with [[Public Works and Government Services Canada]] are bound by the Industrial Security Program, a sub-set of the GSP.

To access [[Classified information#Canada|designated information]], one must have at least standard reliability status (see Hierarchy below). Reliability checks and assessments are conditions of employment under the ''[[Public Service Employment Act]]'', and, thus, all [[Government of Canada]] employees have at least reliability status screening completed prior to their appointment.<ref name=PSS>{{cite web|url=http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=12330&section=text|title=Rescinded [2014-10-20] - Personnel Security Standard|work=tbs-sct.gc.ca|date=6 March 2006}}</ref> However, Government employees by [[Order-in-council]] are not subjected to this policy.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/ia-vi/policies-politiques/gas-gvs/gas-gvs12_e.asp|title=Office of the Comptroller General of Canada|work=tbs-sct.gc.ca|access-date=5 March 2008|archive-date=12 February 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060212082449/http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/ia-vi/policies-politiques/gas-gvs/gas-gvs12_e.asp|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Clearances at the reliability status and secret levels are valid for 10 years, whereas top secret is valid for 5 years. However, departments are free to request their employees to undergo security screening any time for cause.<ref name=smhb>[http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pubs_pol/gospubs/TB_J2/spmh1_e.asp Security Policy-Manager's Handbook] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080306082333/http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pubs_pol/gospubs/TB_J2/spmh1_e.asp |date=6 March 2008 }}</ref> Because security clearances are granted by individual departments instead of one central government agency, clearances are inactivated at the end of appointment or when an individual transfers out of the department. The individual concerned can then apply to reactivate and transfer the security clearance to his/her new position.<ref name="PSS"/>

===Hierarchy===
Three levels of personnel screening exist, with two sub-screening categories:<ref name="smhb"/><ref name="soss">{{cite web|url=http://www.tbs-sct.gc.ca/pol/doc-eng.aspx?id=28115&section=text#appB|title=Standard on Security Screening|work=tbs-sct.gc.ca|date=17 October 2014}}</ref>

Standard screenings are completed for individuals without law enforcement, security and intelligence functions with the government, whereas Enhanced screenings are for individuals with law enforcement, security and intelligence functions, or access to those data or facilities.

====Security screening====
Individuals who need to have RS because of their job or access to federal government assets will be required to sign the ''Personnel Screening, Consent and Authorization Form'' (TBS/SCT 330-23e).
* '''Reliability Status, Standard ''' (RS)
** Reliability checks are done by verifying personal data, criminal records check, credit check, educational, and professional qualifications, data on previous employment and references.
** This level of clearance will grant the right to access designated documents with markings of Protected A & B information/assets on a [[Need to know|need-to-know]] basis. It is mandatory for individuals when the duties or tasks of a position or contract necessitate access to protected information and assets, regardless of the duration of an assignment.
* '''Reliability Status, Enhanced''' (ERS)
** In addition to the Reliability Status, Standard checks, open-source checks, and security questionnaire or interview are required.
** This level of clearance will grant the right to access designated documents with markings of Protected A, B & C information/assets on a need-to-know basis.

====Security clearances====
Individuals who require access to more sensitive information (or access to sensitive federal government sites and/or assets) because of their job will be required to sign the ''Security Clearance Form'' (TBS/SCT 330-60e). There are two levels of clearance:
* '''Secret'''
** Secret clearance is only granted after a reliability status is cleared, with a positive CSIS security assessment.
** This level of clearance will grant the right to access designated and classified information up to Secret level on a need-to-know basis. Department Heads have the discretion to allow for an individual to access Top Secret-level information without higher-level clearance on a case-to-case basis.
** Only those with a Secret clearance, with enhanced screening have access to Protected C information.
* '''Top Secret'''
**In addition to the checks at the Secret level, foreign travels, assets, and character references must be given. Field check will also be conducted prior to granting the clearance.
** This level of clearance will grant the right to access all designated and classified information on a need-to-know basis.
* '''Top Secret Special Access'''
**In addition to the checks at the Top Secret level, 20 years of past history are investigated in person by CSIS.<ref>[https://www.ourcommons.ca/DocumentViewer/en/39-2/SECU/meeting-36/evidence SECU COMMITTEE MEETING]</ref>
** This level of clearance will grant the right to access all designated and classified information on a need-to-know basis, primarily for intelligence roles<ref>[https://buyandsell.gc.ca/cds/public/2022/01/04/2fcfa54d99f7c1fccddcee92f422ebd7/ABES.PROD.PW__QD.B028.E28467.EBSU000.PDF LETTER OF INTEREST]</ref> in the [[Communications Security Establishment]],<ref>[https://www.cse-cst.gc.ca/en/careers/hiring-process-and-security Hiring process and security]</ref> [[Canadian Armed Forces]],<ref>[http://armyapp.forces.gc.ca/reo-oer/en/details.aspx?positionnumber=O-55840 REO: O-55840 - CA Int Regt Kingston - Tasks Manager]</ref> and certain senior government officials.<ref>{{cite web |title=The questions being asked in the Maxime Bernier affair |date=2008-05-28 |website=[[CBC News]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220805175425/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/the-questions-being-asked-in-the-maxime-bernier-affair-1.773673 |archive-date=2022-08-05 |url-status=live |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/the-questions-being-asked-in-the-maxime-bernier-affair-1.773673}}</ref>

=====Site access=====
Two additional categories called "Site Access Status" and "Site Access Clearance" exist not for access to information purposes but for those that require physical access to sites or facilities designated by [[Canadian Security Intelligence Service|CSIS]] as areas "reasonably be expected to be targeted by those who engage in activities constituting threats to the security of Canada". Designated areas include [[Government Houses of Canada|Government Houses]], official residences of government officials, [[Parliament Hill#Parliament Buildings|Parliament]], [[List of Canadian nuclear facilities|nuclear facilities]], airport restricted areas, maritime ports, and any large-scale events that are sponsored by the federal government (e.g., [[2010 Winter Olympics]]).<ref>[http://www.csis-scrs.gc.ca/prrts/scrtscrnng-eng.asp CSIS Security Screening] {{webarchive |url=https://archive.today/20101226020918/http://www.csis-scrs.gc.ca/prrts/scrtscrnng-eng.asp |date=26 December 2010 }}</ref>

Where reliability is the primary concern, a site access status screening (similar to a reliability status, standard screening) is conducted; where loyalty to Canada is the primary concern, a site access clearance (similar to a Secret clearance screening) is required. They are both valid for 10 years.

===Legal===
Prior to granting access to information, an individual who has been cleared must sign a ''Security Screening Certificate and Briefing Form'' (TBS/SCT 330–47), indicating their willingness to be bound by several [[Acts of Parliament]] during and after their appointment finishes. Anyone who has been given a security clearance and releases designated/classified information without legal authority is in breach of trust under section 18(2) of the ''[[Security of Information Act]]'' with a punishment up to 2 years in jail. Those who have access to [[Special Operational Information]] are held to a higher standard. The release of such information is punishable by law, under section 17(2) of the ''[[Security of Information Act]]'', liable to imprisonment for life.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://lois.justice.gc.ca/en/showdoc/cs/O-5/bo-ga:s_3-gb:s_4//en|title=Page not Found - Page non-trouvé|date=20 May 2011|access-date=4 April 2018|url-status=bot: unknown|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520114738/http://lois.justice.gc.ca/en/showdoc/cs/O-5/bo-ga:s_3-gb:s_4//en|archive-date=20 May 2011}}</ref>

Section 750(3) of the [[Criminal Code (Canada)|Criminal Code]], states that no person convicted of an offence under section 121 (frauds on the Government), section 124 (selling or purchasing office), section 380 (Fraud - if directed against His Majesty) or section 418 (selling defective stores to His Majesty), has, after that conviction, the capacity to contract with His Majesty or to receive any benefits under a contract between His Majesty and any other person or to hold office under His Majesty unless a pardon has been granted. (This effectively prohibits granting of a Reliability Status to any such individual.)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ciisd.gc.ca/text/ISM/ch2part1-e.asp#ch2201|title=ISM Chapter 2 Part I|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080309124444/http://www.ciisd.gc.ca/text/ism/ch2part1-e.asp#ch2201|archive-date=9 March 2008}}</ref>


==United Kingdom==
==United Kingdom==
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===National Security Clearance types===
===National Security Clearance types===
National Security Clearances are a hierarchy of levels, depending on the [[Government Security Classifications Policy|classification of materials]] that can be accessed—Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), Counter-Terrorist Check (CTC), Enhanced Baseline Standard (EBS), Security Check (SC), enhanced Security Check (eSC), Developed Vetting (DV), enhanced Developed Vetting (eDV), and STRAP.
National Security Clearances are a hierarchy of levels, depending on the [[Government Security Classifications Policy|classification of materials]] that can be accessed—Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), Counter-Terrorist Check (CTC), Enhanced Baseline Standard (EBS), Security Check (SC), enhanced Security Check (eSC), Developed Vetting (DV), enhanced Developed Vetting (eDV), and STRAP.


The BPSS is the entry-level National Security Clearance, and both CTC and EBS are effectively enhancements to the BPSS, with CTC relating to checking for susceptibility to extremist persuasion, and EBS relating to checking for susceptibility to espionage persuasion, the latter being needed for supervised access to SECRET material. The SC again is focused on susceptibility to espionage persuasion, and is required for an individual to have long-term unsupervised access to SECRET material and occasional access to TOP SECRET (TS) material, whilst for regular access to TS the DV, eDV is required. Occasionally STRAP is required with DV.
The BPSS is the entry-level National Security Clearance, and both CTC and EBS are effectively enhancements to the BPSS, with CTC relating to checking for susceptibility to extremist persuasion, and EBS relating to checking for susceptibility to espionage persuasion, the latter being needed for supervised access to SECRET material. The SC again is focused on susceptibility to espionage persuasion, and is required for an individual to have long-term unsupervised access to SECRET material and occasional access to TOP SECRET (TS) material, whilst for regular access to TS the DV, eDV is required. Occasionally STRAP is required with DV.


Those with National Security Clearance are commonly required to sign a statement to the effect that they agree to abide by the restrictions of the [[Official Secrets Act]] (OSA). This is popularly referred to as "signing the Official Secrets Act". Signing this has no effect on which actions are legal, as the act is a law, not a contract, and individuals are bound by it whether or not they have signed it. Signing it is intended more as a reminder to the person that they are under such obligations. To this end, it is common to sign this statement both before and after a period of employment that involves access to secrets.
Those with National Security Clearance are commonly required to sign a statement to the effect that they agree to abide by the restrictions of the [[Official Secrets Act]] (OSA). This is popularly referred to as "signing the Official Secrets Act". Signing this has no effect on which actions are legal, as the act is a law, not a contract, and individuals are bound by it whether or not they have signed it. Signing it is intended more as a reminder to the person that they are under such obligations. To this end, it is common to sign this statement both before and after a period of employment that involves access to secrets.
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==United States==
==United States==
{{Excerpt|United States security clearance}}
In the United States, a security clearance is an official determination that an individual may access information [[Classified information in the United States|classified]] by the [[United States Government]]. Security clearances are hierarchical; each level grants the holder access to information in that level and the levels below it.


== United Nations ==
The [[US president]] can declassify previously classified information, following a detailed process.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/02/us/politics/trump-fbi-memo.html|title=House Republicans Release Secret Memo Accusing Russia Investigators of Bias|last1=Goldman|first1=Adam|last2=Fandos|first2=Nicholas|last3=Savage|first3=Charlie|date=2018-02-02|work=The New York Times|access-date=2018-02-02|language=en-US}}</ref>
{{Multiple issues|section=yes|


{{Unreferenced section|date=October 2024}}
===Gaining access===
{{Expand section|date=October 2024}}
For people that require a security clearance to get access to classified information, an in-depth background investigation is conducted primarily by the [[Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency]], and the recipient signs a nondisclosure agreement.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hakamaa |first=Marko |date=2016-07-05 |title=Security Clearance Nondisclosure Agreements |url=https://www.clearancejobsblog.com/security-clearance-nondisclosure-agreements/ |access-date=2023-07-09 |website=ClearanceJobs Blog |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-08-13 |title=Office of Information Policy {{!}} FOIA Update: Executive Order 12,958--Classified National Security Information |url=https://www.justice.gov/oip/blog/foia-update-executive-order-12958-classified-national-security-information |access-date=2023-07-09 |website=www.justice.gov |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=32 CFR 2003.20 - Classified Information Nondisclosure Agreement: SF 312 |url=https://www.govinfo.gov/app/details/CFR-2009-title32-vol6/CFR-2009-title32-vol6-sec2003-20/summary |access-date=2023-07-09 |website=www.govinfo.gov |language=en}}</ref>
}}

The UN has a Security Clearance (SC) procedure and document for [[United Nations]] staff travelling to areas designated as security phase areas, with numbers ranging from one to five ("no-phase" areas are calm countries where no SC is required).
As of 2017, certain government officials (but not their staff) are granted access to classified information needed to do their jobs without a background check: members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives for committee work, federal judges and state supreme court judges for adjudicating cases, and state governors. Attorneys representing clients in cases with classified materials require a background check, but there is a reduced-scrutiny procedure for time-sensitive access.<ref>[[Title 32 of the Code of Federal Regulations|32 CFR]] [https://www.ecfr.gov/on/2017-01-03/title-32/part-154 154.16(d)]</ref> This ''ex officio'' access can be revoked.<ref name=Blagojevich>[https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna28475919 Ill. governor's federal security clearance revoked]</ref>

Pending a full security clearance an applicant may be granted a temporary security clearance of indefinite duration, which gives the applicant access to classified information while the original application is being vetted.<ref>The Hill, 15 February 2018, [http://thehill.com/homenews/administration/374093-government-watchdog-group-files-complaint-to-revoke-kushner-security Government watchdog group files complaint to revoke Kushner security clearance]</ref><ref>Vox, 13 February 2018, [https://www.vox.com/policy-and-politics/2018/2/13/17003550/rob-porter-trump-kushner-security-clearance Trump’s White House has a major security clearance problem]</ref>

Access to any particular piece of information requires "need-to-know."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-1995-04-20/pdf/95-9941.pdf|title=Executive Order 12968|website=gpo.gov|access-date=4 April 2018}}</ref> In some cases, this requirement is only nominal, as some classified information is widely published on secure networks. In other cases, there is a formal need-to-know determination. In addition to such a determination, [[Special Access Program]]s and [[Sensitive Compartmented Information]] may require additional investigation and adjudication of the prospective clearance holder.{{fact|date=January 2023}}

As of 2020, the cost of obtaining a Top Secret clearance is $5,596 while a Secret is $433.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dcsa.mil/mc/pv/gov_hr_security/billing_rates/|title=Billing Rates|website=www.dcsa.mil|access-date=2020-01-28}}</ref> These costs are paid for by revolving government funds and not by contractor companies.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.clearancejobs.com/2018/08/27/how-much-does-a-security-clearance-cost/|title=How Much Does a Security Clearance Cost?|last=Kyzer|first=Lindy|date=2018-08-28|website=ClearanceJobs|access-date=2020-01-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dcsecurityclearanceconsultants.com/cost-of-investigations.php|title=DC Security Clearance Consultants|website=www.dcsecurityclearanceconsultants.com|access-date=2020-01-28}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://fas.org/sgp/crs/secrecy/R43216.pdf|title=Security Clearance Process}}</ref>

===Authority===
The authority for classifying information and granting security clearances to access that information is found in executive orders (EOs) and US Federal law. The United States' [[National Security Information]] (NSI) has been classified under [[Executive Order 13526]],<ref>[http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/E9-31418.pdf EO 13526]</ref> but since 10 January 2017 the rules were modified by [[James Clapper]] as Security Executive Agent Directive 4<ref>[http://ogc.osd.mil/doha/SEAD4_20170608.pdf Security Executive Agent Directive 4] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190825175745/http://ogc.osd.mil/doha/SEAD4_20170608.pdf |date=25 August 2019 }}</ref> in the closing days of the [[Obama administration]].<ref>Kumar, Anita. (23 February 2018). "Trump uses more lenient requirements for security clearances. Thank Obama." [http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/politics-government/white-house/article201717344.html McClatchy DC website] Retrieved 23 February 2018.</ref> Information may be classified under this Order if a classification authority determines its unauthorized release could cause damage to the national defense or foreign relations of the United States. Information concerning nuclear weapons and fissile material may be classified under the [[Atomic Energy Act of 1954]] (AEA). These clearances are only granted by the [[US Department of Energy]]. The clearance process for access to NSI or AEA information is substantially aligned. Under [[Executive Order 12968]],<ref>[http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-1995-08-07/pdf/95-19654.pdf EO 12968]</ref> the investigative and adjudicative guidelines for NSI and AEA clearances are identical. This enables reciprocity between NSI and AEA clearances, although some exceptions exist.

The United States' [[Executive Order 12968]]'s standards are binding on all of the United States government agencies that handle classified information, but it allows certain agency heads to establish Special Access Programs (SAPs) with additional, but not duplicative, investigative and adjudicative requirements. The [[United States Intelligence Community|Intelligence Community's]] Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) control systems are a family of SAPs, and SCI eligibility must be granted prior to accessing any particular control system or compartment (which may require additional investigation or adjudication). SCI eligibility policy is described in Intelligence Community Directive 704 <ref>[http://www.odni.gov/files/documents/ICD/ICD_704.pdf Intelligence Community Directive 704]</ref> and its implementing [https://web.archive.org/web/20160110031624/http://www.odni.gov/index.php/intelligence-community/ic-policies-reports/intelligence-community-policy-guidance?highlight=YToyOntpOjA7czo1OiJpY3BncyI7aToxO3M6NDoiaWNwZyI7fQ== policy guidance] Within the [[United States Intelligence Community|Intelligence Community]], the access to SCI information is far more common than "Collateral Top Secret information," and therefore operatives will routinely include SCI in a TS product, just to ensure they do not have to meet the "cradle-to-grave" accountability requirements of Collateral TS information. Any additional clearance measures used by SAPs must be approved by the [[Office of Management and Budget]], which has generally limited such measures to polygraphs, exclusion of persons with non-US immediate family members, requiring more frequent reinvestigations, and requiring annual updates to security questionnaires.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.odni.gov/index.php/intelligence-community/ic-policies-reports/intelligence-community-policy-guidance?highlight=YToyOntpOjA7czo1OiJpY3BncyI7aToxO3M6NDoiaWNwZyI7fQ== |title=OMB Memorandum M-06-21, Reciprocal Recognition of Personnel Security Clearances, 17 July 2006. |access-date=16 February 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160110031624/http://www.odni.gov/index.php/intelligence-community/ic-policies-reports/intelligence-community-policy-guidance?highlight=YToyOntpOjA7czo1OiJpY3BncyI7aToxO3M6NDoiaWNwZyI7fQ== |archive-date=10 January 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Hierarchy===
A security clearance is granted to an individual and generally recognizes a maximum level of clearance. Exceptions include levels above compartmentalized access or when an individual is cleared for a certain type of data. The [[President of the United States]] will be given access to any government or military information that they request, even if they would not otherwise be able to normally obtain a security clearance were they not the President. Having obtained a certain level security clearance does not mean that one automatically has access to or is given access to information cleared for that clearance level in the absence of a demonstrated "need to know".<ref>[http://feinstein.senate.gov/crs-intel.htm] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110113190609/http://feinstein.senate.gov/crs-intel.htm|date=13 January 2011}}</ref> The need-to-know determination is made by a disclosure officer, who may work in the office of origin of the information. The specified need to know must be germane to the prospective user's mission, or of necessity for the integrity of a specified security apparatus.

====Controlled Unclassified====
Controlled Unclassified does not represent a clearance designation, but rather a clearance level at which information distribution is controlled. Controlled Unclassified designates information that may be illegal to distribute. This information is available when needed by government employees, such as United States Department of Defense (DoD) employees, but the designation signifies that the information should not be redistributed to users not designated to use it on an operational basis. For example, the organization and processes of an information-technology system may be designated Controlled Unclassified to users for whom the operational details of the system are non-critical.{{fact|date=January 2023}}

====Public Trust Position====
Despite common misconception, this designation is not a security clearance, and is not the same as the confidential designation. Certain positions which require access to sensitive information, but not information which is classified, must obtain this designation through a background check. In the US, Public Trust Positions can either be moderate-risk or high-risk.<ref name=USDA.gov>{{cite web|title=National Security Positions vs. Public Trust Positions|url=http://www.dm.usda.gov/ohsec/pdsd/securityVStrust.htm}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=FEDERAL SECURITY/SUITABILITY CLEARANCE CHART|url=http://fedcas.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Federal-Suitability-Security-Clearance-Chart.pdf}}</ref>

====Confidential====
This is hierarchically the first security clearance to get, typically requiring a few weeks to a few months of investigation. A Confidential clearance requires a [[National Agency Check with Local Agency Check and Credit Check|NACLC]] investigation which dates back 7 years on the subject's record and must be renewed (with another investigation) every 15 years.{{fact|date=January 2023}}

====Secret====<!-- This section is linked from [[Military intelligence]] -->
A Secret clearance, also known as Collateral Secret or Ordinary Secret, requires a few months to a year to investigate, depending on the individual's background. Some instances wherein individuals would take longer than normal to be investigated are many past residences, having residences in foreign countries, having relatives outside the United States, or significant ties with non-US citizens. Unpaid bills as well as criminal charges will more than likely disqualify an applicant for approval. However, a bankruptcy will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and is not an automatic disqualifier. Poor financial history is the number-one cause of rejection, and foreign activities and criminal record are also common causes for disqualification. A Secret clearance requires a NACLC, and a Credit investigation; it must also be re-investigated every 10 years.<ref name=renewal>{{cite web|url=http://www.dss.mil/disco/ps_faqs.html#21 |title=DSS / DISCO / Frequently Asked Questions about the Industrial Personnel Security Clearance Process |publisher=Defense Security Service |access-date=13 June 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609171527/http://www.dss.mil/disco/ps_faqs.html |archive-date=9 June 2013}}</ref> Investigative requirements for DoD clearances, which apply to most civilian contractor situations, are contained in the Personnel Security Program issuance known as [http://eisen-shapiro.com/WebMaterials/52002r.pdf DoD Regulation 5200.2-R], at part C3.4.2.

====Top Secret====<!-- This section is linked from [[Military intelligence]] -->
Top Secret is a more stringent clearance. A Top Secret, or "TS", clearance, is often given as the result of a [[Single Scope Background Investigation]], or SSBI. Top Secret clearances, in general, afford one access to data that affects [[national security]], [[counterterrorism]]/[[counterintelligence]], or other highly sensitive data. There are far fewer individuals with TS clearances than Secret clearances.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://fas.org/sgp/othergov/intel/clearance.pdf |title=Report on Security Clearance Determinations for Fiscal Year 2010 |publisher=Office of the Director of National Intelligence |date=September 2011 |access-date=13 June 2013}}</ref> A TS clearance can take as few as 3 to 6 months to obtain, but often it takes 6 to 18 months. In most instances, an individual with Top Secret clearance undergoes an SSBI Period Reinvestigation (SSBI-PR) every five years.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dss.mil/psmo-i/indus_psmo-i_updates.html|title=Periodic Reinvestigations|website=Defense Security Service (U.S. Department of Defense)|access-date=9 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209165428/http://www.dss.mil/psmo-i/indus_psmo-i_updates.html|archive-date=9 December 2018|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=renewal/>

====Compartmented====
As with TS clearances, [[Sensitive Compartmented Information]] (SCI) clearances are assigned only after one has been through the rigors of a [[Single Scope Background Investigation]] and a special adjudication process for evaluating the investigation. SCI access, however, is assigned only in "[[Compartmentalization (intelligence)|compartments]]". These compartments are necessarily separated from each other with respect to organization, so that an individual with access to one compartment will not necessarily have access to another. Each compartment may include its own additional special requirements and clearance process. An individual may be granted access to, or [[read into]], a compartment for any period of time.{{fact|date=January 2023}}

Top secret clearance might be required to access:
* Communications intelligence, a subset of [[SIGINT]]
* Design or stockpile information about [[nuclear weapons]]
* Nuclear targeting

Such compartmentalized clearances may be expressed as "John has a TS/SCI", whereby all clearance descriptors are spelled out verbally. For example, the US [[National Security Agency]] once used specialized terms such as "Umbra",<ref name="MemoryHoldUmbra">{{cite web
|url=http://www.thememoryhole.org/nsa/bibs.htm
|title=NSA Bibliographies
|date=2007-09-27
|url-status=dead
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070102155533/http://www.thememoryhole.org/nsa/bibs.htm
|archive-date=2 January 2007
}}</ref><ref name="PayneMorelesUmbra">{{cite web
|url=http://cryptome.org/nsa-codeword.htm |title=William H. Payne v. National Security Agency |date=2007-09-27}}</ref><ref name="IndiaUmbra">{{cite web |url=http://www.subcontinent.com/sapra/research/nuclear/nuclear20000619a.htm |work=The NSA has been spying on Indian nuclear scientists by tapping phone conversations |title=US Spying on Indian Nuclear Scientists |date=2007-09-27 |access-date=26 December 2006 |archive-date=24 February 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190224231204/http://www.subcontinent.com/sapra/research/nuclear/nuclear20000619a.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> This classification is reported to be a compartment within the "Special Intelligence" compartment of SCI.<ref name="GWUref">{{cite web |url=http://www.gwu.edu/~nsarchiv/NSAEBB/NSAEBB23/index2.htm |work=Declassified documents and Archive publications on U.S. Intelligence |title=National Security Archive Electronic Briefing Book No. 24 |date=2007-09-27 |access-date=20 November 2006 |archive-date=12 March 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200312074927/https://nsarchive.gwu.edu/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> The various NSA compartments have been simplified; all but the most sensitive compartments are marked "CCO", meaning "handle through [[COMINT]] channels only".

The US Department of Defense establishes, separately from intelligence compartments, [[Special access program|'''special access programs''' (SAP)]] when the vulnerability of specific information is considered exceptional and the normal criteria for determining eligibility for access applicable to information classified at the same level are not deemed sufficient to protect the information from unauthorized disclosure. The number of people cleared for access to such programs is typically kept low. Information about [[stealth technology]], for example, often requires such access.{{fact|date=January 2023}}

Area-specific clearances include:
* [[L clearance]] (Department of Energy)
* [[Q clearance]] (Department of Energy)
* [[Yankee White]] (working with the President and Vice President)

===Jobs that require a clearance===
There are two different types of jobs that require clearance: public trust and low-risk positions, which require a Standard Form 85 application, and a positions with access to classified information, which require a Standard Form 86 application.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://securityclearanceadvisors.com/how-to-complete-the-sf-86-e-qip-form-2021/ |title=How to Complete the SF 86 e-QIP in 2021 |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=5 March 2021 |website=securityclearanceadvisors.com |access-date=18 March 2021 |archive-date=18 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318155130/https://securityclearanceadvisors.com/how-to-complete-the-sf-86-e-qip-form-2021/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Anyone with access to classified data requires a clearance at or higher than the level at which the data is classified. For this reason, security clearances are required for a wide range of jobs, from senior management to [[janitor]]ial. According to a 2013 Washington Post article, over 1.5 million Americans had top-secret clearances; almost one-third of them worked for private companies, rather than for the U.S.&nbsp;government.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2014/03/24/5-1-million-americans-have-security-clearances-thats-more-than-the-entire-population-of-norway/|title=5.1 million Americans have security clearances. That's more than the entire population of Norway.|date=24 March 2014|newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2014/03/24/5-1-million-americans-have-security-clearances-thats-more-than-the-entire-population-of-norway/|title = The Washington Post|last = Fung|first = Brian|date = 2014-03-24|access-date = 12 May 2014}}</ref>

Jobs that require a security clearance can be found either as positions working directly for the federal government or as authorized federal contractors. Over time, more clearance jobs are being outsourced to contractors.<ref>{{cite news|title=Private spooks for hire |first=Jeff |last=Tyler |url=http://marketplace.publicradio.org/shows/2006/11/17/PM200611178.html |date=2006-11-17 |access-date=2009-01-10 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080706173450/http://marketplace.publicradio.org/shows/2006/11/17/PM200611178.html |archive-date=6 July 2008}}</ref> Due to an overall shortage in security-cleared candidates and a long time frame to obtain the credentials for an uncleared worker, those with clearance are often paid more than their non-cleared equivalent counterparts.<ref>{{cite news | title=Security Clearance a Valued Resume Credential | agency=Associated Press | url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,261120,00.html | date=2007-03-25 | access-date=2009-01-10 | work=Fox News | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130707163327/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,261120,00.html | archive-date=7 July 2013 | url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | title=White House looks for faster top-secret clearances | first=Richard | last=Willing | publisher=USA Today | url=https://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2007-02-14-top-secret-clearances_x.htm | date=2007-02-14 | access-date=2009-01-10}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/08/AR2006020802348.html | newspaper=The Washington Post| title=Security Clearances Can Pay Off | first=Renae | last=Merle | date=2006-02-09 | access-date=2010-05-23}}</ref> According to one 2010 estimate, "people with security clearances are in the top 10 percent of wage earners in the country".<ref name=wp20100824>{{cite news| url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/24/AR2010082406545.html?hpid=topnews | newspaper=The Washington Post| title=Fairs help job-seekers with security clearances connect with intelligence firms| first=Dana |last=Hedgpeth|date=2010-08-24}}</ref>

===Requirements for a clearance===
The [[vetting]] process for a security clearance is usually undertaken only when someone is hired or transferred into a position that requires access to classified information. The [[Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency]] is the primary security agency <ref>[https://www.dcsa.mil/About/ About SCSA]</ref> that conducts background investigations for the Federal Government, conducting 95% of all background investigations for over 100 agencies and conducting approximately 2 million background investigations each year.{{fact|date=January 2023}}

The employee is typically [[fingerprint]]ed and asked to provide information about themselves. This becomes a starting point for an investigation into the candidate's suitability. The process has been streamlined and now requires the person who needs clearance to input the information online using [[E-qip]]; five days are allowed for data input. Having the older paper form can be helpful for collecting and organizing the information in advance. The information on an investigation and its status is stored in either JPAS or Scattered Castles.{{fact|date=January 2023}}

Investigative work is usually at least one of the following types:
*[[National Agency Check with Local Agency Check and Credit Check]] (NACLC). An NACLC is required for a Secret, L, and CONFIDENTIAL access. (''See:'' [[Background check]])
*Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI). An SSBI is required for Top Secret, Q, and SCI access, and involves agents contacting employers, coworkers and other individuals. Standard elements include checks of employment; education; organization affiliations; local agencies; where the subject has lived, worked, or gone to school; and interviews with persons who know the individual. The investigation may include an NACLC on the candidate's spouse or cohabitant and any immediate family members who are U.S. citizens other than by birth or who are not U.S. citizens.
*[[Polygraph]]. Some agencies may require polygraph examinations. The most common examinations are Counter Intelligence (CI) and Full-Scope (Lifestyle) polygraphs. While a positive SSBI is sufficient for access to SCI-level information, polygraphs are routinely administered for "staff-like" access to particular agencies.{{Citation needed|date=August 2009}}

If issues of concern surface during any phase of security processing, coverage is expanded to resolve those issues. At lower levels, ''interim'' clearances may be issued to individuals who are presently under investigation, but who have passed some preliminary, automatic process. Such automatic processes include things such as [[credit check]]s, [[felony]] checks, and so on. An interim clearance may be denied (although the final clearance may still be granted) for having a large amount of debt,<ref>[http://www.securityclearanceblog.com/2011/04/security-clearance-issues-arising-under-guideline-f-financial-considerations.html Security Clearance Issues Arising Under Guideline F, Financial Considerations], Security Clearance Blog, 8 April 2011</ref> having a foreign spouse, for having admitted to seeing a doctor for a [[mental health]] condition, or for having admitted to other items of security concern (such as a criminal record or a history of drug use.). When security concerns arise for an individual, which could bar them from holding a security clearance, adjudicators may also look at the Whole-Person Concept as a source of potential mitigation so that the person may still be granted a security clearance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.securityclearanceblog.com/2016/09/the-whole-person-concept-in-security-clearance-matters.html|title=The Whole-Person Concept in Security Clearance Matters}}</ref>

The high-level clearance process can be lengthy, sometimes taking a year or more. In recent years, there has been an increased backlog of cases which has been attributed to the economic climate. The long time needed for new appointees to be cleared has been cited as hindering the [[United States presidential transition|presidential transition]] process.{{fact|date=January 2023}}

===Security briefings===
In the US, once the clearance is granted, the candidate is briefed on "the proper safeguarding of classified information and on the criminal, civil, and administrative sanctions that may be imposed on an individual who fails to protect classified information from unauthorized disclosure." They are also required to sign an approved [[non-disclosure agreement]] (e.g., [[form SF-312]]). High-level clearances are reviewed periodically and any "adverse information" reports received at any time can trigger a review. When a cleared person leaves their job, they are often "debriefed"—reminded of their ongoing obligations to protect the information they were allowed to see, and the possible consequences should they fail to uphold those obligations. According to NISPOM Chapter 3, newly cleared employees are required to receive an initial security briefing before having access to classified information. This training helps them understand the threat, risks to classified information, how to protect the classified information, security procedures and duties as they apply to their job. This training is followed up by refresher training that reinforces the initial security briefing.{{fact|date=January 2023}}

===Dual citizenship===
[[Dual citizenship]] is associated with two categories of security concerns: foreign influence and foreign preference. Dual citizenship in itself is not the major problem in obtaining or retaining security clearance in the United States. If a security clearance applicant's dual citizenship is "based solely on parents' citizenship or birth in a foreign country", that can be a mitigating condition.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/security/blforeignpref.htm
|title=Security Clearance Guidelines: Foreign Preference
|publisher=military.about.com
|access-date=2007-05-15
|archive-date=17 February 2009
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090217040439/http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/security/blforeignpref.htm
|url-status=dead
}}</ref> However, ''exercising'' (taking advantage of the entitlements of) a non-U.S. citizenship can cause problems. For example, possession and/or use of a foreign [[passport]] is a condition disqualifying from security clearance and "is not mitigated by reasons of personal convenience, safety, requirements of foreign law, or the identity of the foreign country" as is explicitly clarified in a Department of Defense policy memorandum which defines a guideline requiring that "any clearance be denied or revoked unless the applicant surrenders the foreign passport or obtains official permission for its use from the appropriate agency of the United States Government".<ref>{{cite web
|url = http://www.dod.mil/dodgc/doha/policyinterpmemo.pdf
|title = Guidance to DoD Central Adjudication Facilities (CAF) Clarifying the Application of the Foreign preference Adjucitative Guideline
|date = 16 August 2000
|author = [[Arthur L. Money]]
|access-date = 2007-05-15
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090922030952/http://www.dod.mil/dodgc/doha/policyinterpmemo.pdf
|archive-date = 22 September 2009
|url-status = dead}} (the "Money Memorandum")</ref> This guideline has been followed in [https://web.archive.org/web/20110604163722/http://www.dod.mil/dodgc/doha/industrial/ administrative rulings] by the [[United States Department of Defense|Department of Defense]] (DoD) [http://www.dod.mil/dodgc/doha/ Defense Office of Hearings and Appeals] (DOHA) office of [https://web.archive.org/web/20110604164300/http://www.dod.mil/dodgc/doha/isp.html Industrial Security Clearance Review] (ISCR), which decides cases involving security clearances for Contractor personnel doing classified work for all DoD components. In one such case, an administrative judge ruled that it is not clearly consistent with U.S. national interest to grant a request for a security clearance to an applicant who was a dual national of the United States and Ireland.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dod.mil/dodgc/doha/industrial/02-21102.h1.html|title=02-21102.h1|work=dod.mil|access-date=21 December 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604163717/http://www.dod.mil/dodgc/doha/industrial/02-21102.h1.html|archive-date=4 June 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> DOHA can rule on issues involving the granting of security clearances.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://securityclearancelawyer.com/2017/02/10/doha-security-clearance-tips/|title=DOHA Security Clearance Tips|date=11 February 2017|website=securityclearancelawyer.com|access-date=4 April 2018}}</ref>

===Limited Access Authorizations (LAA)===
A non-US born person working in the United States on an [[H-1B visa]] may obtain a special clearance with access to secret information if they are in a critical role of a job that requires authorization.<ref>https://www.depts.ttu.edu/hr/documents/hosted/FAQ_US_Security_Clearance.pdf</ref><ref>https://www.dcsa.mil/Industrial-Security/International-Programs/Security-Assurances-for-Personnel-Facilities/#:~:text=Limited%20Access%20Authorizations%20(LAA)%20for%20Non%2DU.S.%20Citizens&text=An%20LAA%20enables%20a%20non,not%20a%20national%20security%20eligibility.</ref>


== United Nations ==
{{also|UNRWA October 7 controversy}}
The UN has a Security Clearance (SC) procedure and document for [[United Nations]] staff travelling to areas designated as [[security phase]] areas, with numbers ranging from one to five ("no-phase" areas are calm countries where no SC is required).


[[United Nations]] staff can apply for SC online, at the website of the [[United Nations Department for Safety and Security|Department for Safety and Security]].
[[United Nations]] staff can apply for SC online, at the website of the [[United Nations Department for Safety and Security|Department for Safety and Security]].
Line 200: Line 47:
|data-sort-value="Berger, Sandy"|[[Sandy Berger]] || Mishandling of classified documents || 2005
|data-sort-value="Berger, Sandy"|[[Sandy Berger]] || Mishandling of classified documents || 2005
|-
|-
|data-sort-value="Blagojevich, Rod"|[[Rod Blagojevich]]<ref name=Blagojevich /> || Corruption charges || 2008
|data-sort-value="Blagojevich, Rod"|[[Rod Blagojevich]]<ref name=Blagojevich>[https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna28475919 Ill. governor's federal security clearance revoked]</ref> || Corruption charges || 2008
|-
|-
|data-sort-value="Brennan, John O."|[[John O. Brennan]] || Claimed but not processed<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/25/us/politics/trump-intelligence-agencies.html|title=Trump's Targeting of Intelligence Agencies Gains a Harder Edge|first1=Michael S.|last1=Schmidt|first2=Julian E.|last2=Barnes|work=The New York Times |date=May 25, 2019|via=NYTimes.com}}</ref> || N/A
|data-sort-value="Brennan, John O."|[[John O. Brennan]] || Claimed but not processed<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/05/25/us/politics/trump-intelligence-agencies.html|title=Trump's Targeting of Intelligence Agencies Gains a Harder Edge|first1=Michael S.|last1=Schmidt|first2=Julian E.|last2=Barnes|work=The New York Times |date=May 25, 2019|via=NYTimes.com}}</ref> || N/A
Line 216: Line 63:
|data-sort-value="Oppenheimer, Robert"|[[Robert Oppenheimer]] || Communist sympathies || 1954
|data-sort-value="Oppenheimer, Robert"|[[Robert Oppenheimer]] || Communist sympathies || 1954
|-
|-
|data-sort-value="Saucier, Aldric"|[[Aldric Saucier]] || Whistleblowing on fraud<ref name="chicagotribunearmyagaintargets">{{cite news|last1=Evans|first1=David|title=Army Again Targets Fraud Whistle-blower|url=http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1992-04-15/news/9202030576_1_security-clearance-aldric-saucier-missile-defense|access-date=26 August 2017|work=Chicago Tribune|date=15 April 1992}}</ref> || 1992
|data-sort-value="Saucier, Aldric"|[[Aldric Saucier]] || Whistleblowing on fraud<ref name="chicagotribunearmyagaintargets">{{cite news|last1=Evans|first1=David|title=Army Again Targets Fraud Whistle-blower|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1992/04/15/army-again-targets-fraud-whistle-blower/|access-date=26 August 2017|work=Chicago Tribune|date=15 April 1992}}</ref> || 1992
|-
|-
|data-sort-value="Snowden, Edward"|[[Edward Snowden]] || Unauthorized disclosure of secrets || 2013
|data-sort-value="Snowden, Edward"|[[Edward Snowden]] || Unauthorized disclosure of secrets || 2013
Line 232: Line 79:
|access-date=18 August 2018
|access-date=18 August 2018
}}</ref>
}}</ref>

=== Related to [[January 6 United States Capitol attack]] ===
{{Excerpt|United States House Judiciary Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government
|Third hearing}}


==See also==
==See also==

Latest revision as of 03:23, 12 November 2024

A security clearance is a status granted to individuals allowing them access to classified information (state or organizational secrets) or to restricted areas, after completion of a thorough background check. The term "security clearance" is also sometimes used in private organizations that have a formal process to vet employees for access to sensitive information. A clearance by itself is normally not sufficient to gain access; the organization must also determine that the cleared individual needs to know specific information. No individual is supposed to be granted automatic access to classified information solely because of rank, position, or a security clearance.[1][full citation needed]

Canada

[edit]
Further information: Classified information § Canada
This section is an excerpt from Canada security clearance.[edit]
A Canada security clearance is required for viewing classified information in Canada.

United Kingdom

[edit]
Further information: Security vetting in the United Kingdom

National Security Clearance types

[edit]

National Security Clearances are a hierarchy of levels, depending on the classification of materials that can be accessed—Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), Counter-Terrorist Check (CTC), Enhanced Baseline Standard (EBS), Security Check (SC), enhanced Security Check (eSC), Developed Vetting (DV), enhanced Developed Vetting (eDV), and STRAP.

The BPSS is the entry-level National Security Clearance, and both CTC and EBS are effectively enhancements to the BPSS, with CTC relating to checking for susceptibility to extremist persuasion, and EBS relating to checking for susceptibility to espionage persuasion, the latter being needed for supervised access to SECRET material. The SC again is focused on susceptibility to espionage persuasion, and is required for an individual to have long-term unsupervised access to SECRET material and occasional access to TOP SECRET (TS) material, whilst for regular access to TS the DV, eDV is required. Occasionally STRAP is required with DV.

Those with National Security Clearance are commonly required to sign a statement to the effect that they agree to abide by the restrictions of the Official Secrets Act (OSA). This is popularly referred to as "signing the Official Secrets Act". Signing this has no effect on which actions are legal, as the act is a law, not a contract, and individuals are bound by it whether or not they have signed it. Signing it is intended more as a reminder to the person that they are under such obligations. To this end, it is common to sign this statement both before and after a period of employment that involves access to secrets.

National Security Clearance history

[edit]

After the United States entered into World War II, Britain changed its security classifications to match those of the U.S.. Previously, classifications had included the top classification "Most Secret", but it soon became apparent that the United States did not fully understand the UK's classifications, and classified information appeared in the U.S.'s press. This spearheaded the uniformity in classification between the United Kingdom and the United States. The terminology and levels of British security classifications have also changed from Positive Vetting and Enhanced Positive Vetting to SC, eSC, DV, eDV and STRAP.

Other UK clearances

[edit]

In addition to National Security Clearances, other types of roles and organisations stipulate a need for clearances, including:

United States

[edit]
This section is an excerpt from United States security clearance.[edit]

A United States security clearance is an official determination that an individual may access information classified by the United States Government. Security clearances are hierarchical; each level grants the holder access to information in that level and the levels below it.

The US president can declassify previously classified information, following a detailed process.[2]

United Nations

[edit]

The UN has a Security Clearance (SC) procedure and document for United Nations staff travelling to areas designated as security phase areas, with numbers ranging from one to five ("no-phase" areas are calm countries where no SC is required).

United Nations staff can apply for SC online, at the website of the Department for Safety and Security.

Individuals who have had security clearances revoked

[edit]

In the post World War II era, there have been several highly publicized, and often controversial, cases of officials or scientists having their security clearances revoked, including:

Name Reason Year of revocation
Sandy Berger Mishandling of classified documents 2005
Rod Blagojevich[3] Corruption charges 2008
John O. Brennan Claimed but not processed[4] N/A
John M. Deutch Mishandling of classified information 1999
Thomas Andrews Drake Unauthorized disclosure of secrets 2010
Abdel-Moniem El-Ganayni Unknown reasons 2008
Michael T. Flynn Lying to the FBI 2017
Wen Ho Lee Espionage charges 1999
Robert Oppenheimer Communist sympathies 1954
Aldric Saucier Whistleblowing on fraud[5] 1992
Edward Snowden Unauthorized disclosure of secrets 2013
Alan Turing (UK) Homosexuality conviction 1952
Qian Xuesen Communist sympathies 1950

This list does not cover people whose security clearance lapsed possibly following changing their job.[6]

[edit]
This section is an excerpt from United States House Judiciary Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government § Third hearing.[edit]
The subcommittee heard testimony from three self-proclaimed FBI whistleblowers on May 18, 2023. They had previously complained about ways the bureau had allegedly discriminated against conservatives. Two of the three witnesses, and a third man, had their security clearances revoked days before the hearing for participating in the January 6 attack, or for later expressing views about it that placed into question their "allegiance to the United States," according to the bureau. The three men had been suspended; NBC News reported in June that one of the men had been suspended because FBI internal investigators concluded he had leaked sensitive investigative information to the right-wing Project Veritas.[7] Two of the witnesses acknowledged receiving cash payments from Trump loyalist Kash Patel.[8][9][10]

See also

[edit]

Notes and references

[edit]
  1. ^ (Abiodun, 2006)
  2. ^ Goldman, Adam; Fandos, Nicholas; Savage, Charlie (2 February 2018). "House Republicans Release Secret Memo Accusing Russia Investigators of Bias". The New York Times. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  3. ^ Ill. governor's federal security clearance revoked
  4. ^ Schmidt, Michael S.; Barnes, Julian E. (25 May 2019). "Trump's Targeting of Intelligence Agencies Gains a Harder Edge". The New York Times – via NYTimes.com.
  5. ^ Evans, David (15 April 1992). "Army Again Targets Fraud Whistle-blower". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 26 August 2017.
  6. ^ "Guidance United Kingdom Security Vetting". (UK) Ministry of Defence. Retrieved 18 August 2018.
  7. ^ Nobles, Ryan (8 June 2023). "FBI agent who testified for Republicans was suspended over leaked sensitive information". NBC News.
  8. ^ Ken Dilanian; Ryan J. Reilly (18 May 2023). "GOP witnesses undermined Jan. 6 cases with conspiracy theories, FBI says". NBC News.
  9. ^ Feuer, Alan (17 May 2023). "F.B.I. Revokes Security Clearances of 3 Agents Over Jan. 6 Issues". The New York Times.
  10. ^ Luke Broadwater; Adam Goldman (2 March 2023). "G.O.P. Witnesses, Paid by Trump Ally, Embraced Jan. 6 Conspiracy Theories". The New York Times.
[edit]

Canada

[edit]

Germany

[edit]

German language official files

United Kingdom

[edit]

United States

[edit]

UN

[edit]

Geneva Centre for the Democratic Control of Armed Forces

[edit]
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