Why digital government records are so hard to preserve

In May, a federal judge mandated that White House staff adhere to the Presidential Records Act, a law from 1978 that ensures a president’s official records are public property and outlines their preservation and release. This came after the Justice Department claimed the law oversteps Congress’s authority. The American Historical Association and American Oversight sued, fearing the White House might bypass policies preventing officials from using personal emails or encrypted messages for government business, risking accountability and historical gaps. Judge John D. Bates deemed the law likely constitutional, but the challenge extends beyond legality. Government records are now digital, stored in emails, chat apps, and cloud documents, complicating their preservation. The National Archives added 463 terabytes of electronic records in 2024 alone. Digital preservation is crucial, yet fragile, as significant records can easily disappear, highlighting the need for effective preservation technology and practices. QUESTION: How might the challenges of preserving digital records impact future historical research and public accountability?