"i don't have a security clearance so i don't have to get a prepublication

Han Dos

2 min read

·

06-03-2025

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I Don't Have a Security Clearance: Do I Need Prepublication Review?

Understanding Prepublication Review and Security Clearances

Many people mistakenly believe that only those with security clearances require prepublication review. This isn't entirely true. While a security clearance significantly increases the likelihood of needing prepublication review, it's not the sole determining factor. The need for prepublication review depends primarily on the content of your writing and your employer's policies.

Who Needs Prepublication Review?

Prepublication review, often shortened to "pre-pub," is a process where your writing is reviewed by authorized personnel before publication. This is to ensure that sensitive information, whether classified or not, isn't inadvertently disclosed. Several factors increase the likelihood of needing pre-pub:

• Government Employment: Even without a security clearance, if you work for a government agency (at any level, federal, state, or local), your writing might require review, especially if it relates to your work in any way. Agency policies often dictate this, regardless of clearance status.

• Contractor Roles: Individuals working under government contracts, even without a security clearance, may need prepublication review if their work involves sensitive information or relates to government projects. Contract terms often specify this requirement.

• Sensitive Information: The content itself is the key. Do you discuss sensitive information, even if unclassified, relating to your work or any government-related projects? This includes details about internal processes, budgets, personnel matters (even anonymized), or any information that could be considered proprietary or confidential.

• Company Policy: Many private sector companies have internal policies requiring prepublication review for employees’ writings, especially if the content deals with company strategy, finances, trade secrets, or customer information.

Lack of Security Clearance Doesn't Guarantee Exemption

The absence of a security clearance doesn't automatically mean you're exempt from prepublication review. It simply reduces the probability. If your writing deals with sensitive information, regardless of your employment status or clearance, you should still consult your employer or legal counsel.

When You Likely Don't Need Prepublication Review:

• Personal Blogs and Writings: Unrelated to your work, discussing personal opinions or experiences generally doesn’t require prepublication review. However, always exercise caution and avoid revealing confidential information.

• Fiction and Creative Writing: Unless your fictional work incorporates real-world details that could be considered sensitive, prepublication review is usually unnecessary.

• Academic Research (with caveats): While academic research often requires ethical review, prepublication review is less common unless the research involves sensitive data or government funding with specific stipulations.

How to Proceed:

If you’re unsure, err on the side of caution. Contact your supervisor, legal department (if applicable), or a trusted advisor to determine if prepublication review is necessary for your specific circumstances. Ignoring these protocols can lead to disciplinary action, legal issues, or compromise sensitive information. It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Conclusion: The need for prepublication review is not solely dependent on possessing a security clearance. The nature of your writing and your employer's policies are the determining factors. If you're unsure, consult with your employer or seek legal advice to protect yourself and avoid potential consequences. Remember, the absence of a security clearance does not automatically grant you exemption from prepublication review procedures.