What did the declassified documents reveal?

FBI Files on Cryptography – FBI File #80-HQ-612, released on August 4, 2022, is a notable document that provides insight into the FBI's handling of cryptographic information. This document is available on The Black Vault website, and the canonical PDF can be found at documents.theblackvault.com/documents/fbifiles/080-HQ-612-FBI1.pdf. The document was released in response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, FOIPA Request No. 1341703-000, submitted by Mr. John Greenewald Jr. The FBI's response includes a processed copy of FBI Headquarters file 80-HQ-612, Section 1-2, EBF MISC, EBF 54, and EBF 127. October 19, 2016, MR. JOHN GREENEWALD JR. FOIPA Request No.: 1341703-000 Subject: 080-HQ-612 Dear Mr. Greenewald: The enclosed documents were reviewed under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Title 5, United States Code, Section 552. Deletions have been made to protect information which is exempt from disclosure, with the appropriate exemptions noted on the page next to the excision. In addition, a deleted page information sheet was inserted in the file to indicate where pages were withheld entirely. The exemptions used to withhold information are marked below and explained on the enclosed Explanation of Exemptions: Section 552 Section 552a (b)(1) (b)(7)(A) (d)(5) (b)(2) (b)(7)(B) (j)(2) (b)(3) (b)(7)(C) (k)(1) 50 U.S.C. 3024(i)(1) (b)(7)(D) (k)(2) (b)(7)(E) (k)(3) (b)(7)(F) (k)(4) (b)(4) (b)(8) (k)(5) (b)(5) (b)(9) (k)(6) (b)(6) (k)(7) 423 pages were reviewed and 350 pages are being released. Document(s) were located which originated with, or contained information concerning, other Government Agency (ies) [OGA]. This information has been referred to the OGA(s) for review and direct response to you. We are consulting with another agency. The FBI will correspond with you regarding this information when the consultation is completed. In accordance with standard FBI practice and pursuant to FOIA exemption (b)(7)(E) and Privacy Act exemption (j)(2) [5 U.S.C. § 552/552a (b)(7)(E)/(j)(2)], this response neither confirms nor denies the existence of your subject's name on any watch lists. For your information, Congress excluded three discrete categories of law enforcement and national security records from the requirements of the FOIA. See 5 U.S. C. § 552(c) (2006 & Supp. IV (2010). This response is limited to those records that are subject to the requirements of the FOIA. This is a standard notification that is given to all our requesters and should not be taken as an indication that excluded records do, or do not, exist. Enclosed for your information is a copy of the Explanation of Exemptions. For questions regarding our determinations, visit the www.fbi.gov/foia website under “Contact Us.” The FOIPA Request Number listed above has been assigned to your request. Please use this number in all correspondence concerning your request. Your patience is appreciated. This is what the public record looks like at its most ordinary. For more information…

Why was this case declassified?

This material entered the public record through the U.S. declassification and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process.

Case · DAILY-001

FBI Files on Cryptography – FBI File #80-HQ-612

JUL 6 · 2026Narrated by daily-declassified-fbi-files-on-cryptography-fbi-file-80-hq-6124 minLast updated July 6, 2026

The short version

FBI Files on Cryptography – FBI File #80-HQ-612, released on August 4, 2022, is a notable document that provides insight into the FBI's handling of cryptographic information. pdf. The document was released in response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, FOIPA Request No.

Date: JUL 6 · 2026
Release: Declassified · U.S. public record (FOIA)

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Episode notes

FBI Files on Cryptography – FBI File #80-HQ-612, released on August 4, 2022, is a notable document that provides insight into the FBI's handling of cryptographic information. This document is available on The Black Vault website, and the canonical PDF can be found at…

Questions about this case

What was FBI Files on Cryptography – FBI File #80-HQ-612 about?: FBI Files on Cryptography – FBI File #80-HQ-612, released on August 4, 2022, is a notable document that provides insight into the FBI's handling of cryptographic information. pdf. The document was released in response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, FOIPA Request No.
Why was this case declassified?: This material entered the public record through the U.S. declassification and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) process. Storyflo narrates it directly from the public release.

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