On September 13, 2023, the SEC proposed rule and form amendments (the “Proposed Rules”) regarding login, passwords, and other account access protocols for filers using the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis, and Retrieval system (“EDGAR”) that are related to proposed changes to access and management of accounts on EDGAR (collectively referred to as “EDGAR Next”). The Proposed Rules would require that filers authorize and maintain designated individuals as account administrators and that filers, through their account administrators, take certain actions to manage their accounts on the EDGAR dashboard. Additionally, the Proposed Rules provide that filers may only authorize individuals as account administrators or in the other new roles discussed below if those individuals first obtain individual account credentials in the manner to be specified in the EDGAR Filer Manual. Further, the Proposed Rules would offer filers optional Application Programming Interfaces (“APIs”) intended to enhance how filers can access EDGAR, retrieve information, and submit bulk filings.
The Proposed Rules represent a complete overhaul of the process to access EDGAR and maintain accounts on EDGAR. The SEC requests comment on all aspects of the Proposed Rules, including the technical aspects of EDGAR Next. Comments must be received by November 21, 2023.