Who is authorized to approve NSLs?
• Only the most senior FBI officials have this authority. • As of March 9, 2006, the authority to sign NSLs has been delegated to: • Deputy Director; • EAD and Assistant EAD for the National Security Branch; • Assistant Directors and all DADs for CI/CT/Cyber; • General Counsel; • Deputy General Counsel for National Security Law Branch; • Assistant Director in Charge, and all SACs in NY, D.C., and LA; and • All SACs in other field divisions. • Personnel in “acting” positions cannot sign NSLs. Are NSLs classified? The NSLs themselves are not classified, nor is the material received in return from NSLs classified. That information may be used in criminal proceedings without any declassification issue.
