The Ministry of Defence has released the first in a
series ofUFO "X-files"to the National
Archives, and it has deployed new redact technology to streamline
the process.
Thousands of pages relating to alleged UFO sightings are being
declassified and released, and RapidRedact software is being used
to redact information exempted under the Data Protection Act.
The time saved in streamlining and automating the
redaction
process has meant that the MoD have been able to release the
"X-files" far earlier than would have been possible with a manual
approach.
The MoD has been overwhelmed by a deluge of Freedom of
Information requests relating to the alleged UFO sightings. This
eventually led to the decision to transfer the collection of
documents from Whitehall to the National Archives at Kew.
The MoD decided it needed to streamline the redaction process,
and selected Redacta's RapidRedact system to electronically redact
non-discloseable information from the electronic files.
Previously defence intelligence staff had to print out all
relevant documents, manually use a scalpel or tape to physically
remove names and addresses of individuals, then photocopy those
documents for release.
This process was highly time-consuming, and wasted a great deal
of paper and printer cartridges. RapidRedact can be used with any
electronic format document, including scanned documents and images
and is far more time and cost efficient than manual redaction.
The first collection of UFO documents released to National
Archives consisted of more than 3,000 pages, and it is estimated
that altogether more than 50,000 pages in total will be released.
The documents are contained in multi-page files, with some files
containing more than 900 pages.
Find out more about the MOD UFO "X-Files" at the following
websites:
National Archives MOD UFO documents >>
Ministry of Defence website - UFO files announcement
>>
UK X-Files BBC Newsnight item >>
National Archives spark UFO mania >>
US embarrassed that UFO hacker could easily access military
>>