Mary Farrell Foundation to redact Social Security numbers from JFK records release

The U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform convened on April 1, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding the declassification of federal secrets, particularly focusing on the JFK files. A significant concern raised during the meeting was the improper disclosure of sensitive personal information, including hundreds of Social Security numbers, which has raised alarms about potential identity theft for those affected.

The discussion highlighted that an executive order from January mandated the disclosure of records, but the review process by the National Archives was inadequately executed. Despite warnings from the National Security Council about the risks of privacy harm, the release proceeded without necessary redactions. This oversight has left individuals whose information was disclosed scrambling to protect their financial identities.

Mister Morley, representing the Mary Farrell Foundation, criticized the handling of the documents, labeling the release of personal information as "unprofessional" and "reckless." He emphasized that while the foundation supports transparency, it will take steps to redact Social Security numbers from its online archives to prevent identity theft, stating that such information adds no historical value.

The meeting underscored the importance of a careful and diligent approach to declassification processes. Witnesses stressed that an open and transparent federal government is vital for public trust, and that the classification system should be managed responsibly to avoid haphazard disclosures. As the committee continues its work, the implications of these discussions will likely influence future policies on document transparency and privacy protection.