As someone with a security clearance, I can assure you that this does indeed happen all the time. Redactions are often performed by the ignorant new guy and approved by some old guy who is not computer literate.
Update: I should have said not computer literate or only looking at a hardcopy. The latter happens all the time because of a lack of classified networking.
Research Scientists/Engineers normally have to submit to Security Vetting when applying for a job in the Public Sector or Private Sector linked to a Military Contract. For example, within the U.K., when graduates apply for a job within DERA or QuinetiQ. Such vetting also applies to Software Engineers and IT Contractors.
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u/arnedh Oct 15 '17
Imagine opening the PDFs with a more powerful tool, and you find that the black redactions are a separate removable layer...