This page collects extensive information regarding the retention of e-records that the federal government imposes on itself, and the public. Material on this page that applies to the U.S. government's retention of e-records includes:

• DOD 5015.2—this standard defines mandatory functional requirements for records management software, required system interfaces and search criteria, and management requirements for record management software. The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) has endorsed DOD 5015.2 as an acceptable standard for federal e-records retention.
• NARA Regulations—these regulations set forth the basic NARA rules that federal agencies must meet in their e-records retention programs.
• FEMA E-Mail Retention Instructions—this instruction sets forth the rules for e-mail retention at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which is not part of the Department of Homeland Security. Note that FEMA is requiring its employees to retain paper copies of e-mail messages until FEMA installs an automated retention system approved by NARA.

In addition, we have included some of the critical rules that the government imposes on various sectors of the general public that relate to retention of e-mail and other electronic records. These include:

• Securities Exchange Commission Rule 17a-4

In addition, we've included material regarding the current and future state of government e-records rules and regulations. Highlights include:

• NARA's draft 2002 report regarding a proposed future model for future federal records management, including a revised role for NARA itself.