Redact the information.
Rethink the ink.
A black box protects nothing on its own.
Once the information is securely removed,
could the mark we leave behind use less?
The same record, twice
Same omissions.
A different mark.
The information withheld is identical.
Only its visible treatment changes.
In the matter of
a missing sandwich
On the morning of [withheld], a sandwich was reported missing from the shared kitchen.
The dog stated that [withheld] and that he had been “a very good boy” at the time of the incident.
The cat, [withheld], declined to comment but maintained prolonged eye contact with the sandwich location.
An internal review determined that [withheld] had last been seen near [withheld].
Both parties were reminded that future sandwiches are to be monitored accordingly.
In the matter of
a missing sandwich
On the morning of [withheld], a sandwich was reported missing from the shared kitchen.
The dog stated that [withheld] and that he had been “a very good boy” at the time of the incident.
The cat, [withheld], declined to comment but maintained prolonged eye contact with the sandwich location.
An internal review determined that [withheld] had last been seen near [withheld].
Both parties were reminded that future sandwiches are to be monitored accordingly.
The mark is not the redaction. Sensitive content must first be securely removed. A box drawn over text is not sufficient. These examples contain no concealed information. Read the security basis.
Comparing solid fill with outlined passages.
The environmental case
Less on the page.
Less to print.
For a record that gets printed, a redaction is also a mark made with ink or toner.
Rethink Redaction asks a narrow question: can outlined or lighter redaction marks reduce the material used in printing while preserving privacy, legibility, and the required record?
That is a case for testing. Smaller filled areas in a drawing are not proof of toner, cost, or emissions savings. Printer behavior, paper, settings, and the number of copies all matter.
Read the proposalThree conditions.
No shortcuts.
Remove the information.
Secure removal and checks for recoverable content come before any choice of fill, outline, or color.
Respect the record.
Retain required withholding notices, locations, and context. Follow the rules that apply to that specific release.
Measure the difference.
Test printed output, accessibility, and material use before claiming an improvement.
This is a formatting proposal.
Its value should stand up to examination.