NSA Claims It Can't Watch an Important Tape It Recorded in the 1980s
The NSA holds historic tapes of Admiral Grace Hopper's lecture from 1982 but can't access them due to lacking equipment. Public offers help to play the tapes, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical records.
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The National Security Agency (NSA) possesses two reels of old tape containing a significant lecture by computer science pioneer Admiral Grace Hopper from 1982. Despite the historical value of the tapes, the NSA claims it cannot release the content as they lack the appropriate tape player to view or digitize them. Researcher Michael Ravintzky filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for the tapes, but the NSA initially denied their existence due to the playback issue. However, after being provided with pictures of the tapes, it was revealed they were recorded on an AMPEX 1-inch Video Tape Recorder, which could potentially be played back using available devices. Following public attention, individuals have offered assistance in playing the tapes. The situation highlights the challenge of preserving historical records and the importance of accessing valuable insights from the past for future generations.
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