Classified Information Protection
The term “classified information” was introduced for the first time in the Classified Information Protection Act (CIPA) (promulgated in Official Gazette, No. 45/30.04.2002). This is a general term that embraces any information representing a state secret, an official secret or foreign classified information.
The necessity of classified information protection ensues from its importance for the national security of the Republic of Bulgaria. Subject to protection are facts and circumstances, the free access to which could infringe on the country's territorial integrity, the independence and the sovereignty of the country.
Therefore, it is necessary to find a balance between the citizens’ rights of free access to information and the state and public interests in information security protection. In this respect the limitation of classified information access aims to avert the threats to, or the harming of the interests of the Republic of Bulgaria relating to sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, defence, constitutionally established order, foreign policy and international relations.
The protection of these interests through classified information protection guarantees the democratic functioning of state and civil institutions.
The classified information protection policy of the Republic of Bulgaria is conducted by a specially constituted state authority - the State Commission on Information Security (SCIS).
In compliance with the Classified Information Protection, the SCIS is the national authority for classified information protection. In accordance with Art. 6, Para 1 of CIPA, the State Commission on Information Security is a collegiate body comprising five members, including a chairperson and a vice-chairperson. Members of the Commission are nominated by the Council of Ministers on the advice of the Prime Minister.
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