The Glomar Explorer
FAQs
What is the Glomar answer?
The Glomar answer is a response used by U.S. government agencies to neither confirm nor deny the existence of requested information, typically in Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests.
How did the Glomar answer originate?
The Glomar answer originated from a 1975 FOIA request concerning the CIA’s secret project to recover a sunken Soviet submarine using the ship Hughes Glomar Explorer. The agency refused to confirm or deny the operation’s existence to protect national security.
Why is it called the “Glomar” answer?
It is named after the Hughes Glomar Explorer, the ship involved in the covert CIA mission that led to the first use of this type of non-committal response.
In what context is the Glomar answer typically used?
The Glomar answer is typically used in intelligence, national security, or sensitive government matters where confirming or denying information could compromise operations or safety.
Has the Glomar answer been challenged legally?
Yes, the use of the Glomar answer has been challenged in courts, but it has generally been upheld when the government demonstrates that confirming or denying information would harm national security or other protected interests.
