Foreign Intelligence Information Protection Act of 1979

Foreign Intelligence Information Protection Act of 1979 - Amends the National Security Act of 1947 by adding a new Title V: Protection of Foreign Intelligence Information.

Authorizes the Director of Central Intelligence to designate information as sensitive intelligence information or to remove such designation.

Establishes a maximum criminal penalty of life imprisonment and/or a $20,000 fine for the offense of espionage, defined as an unauthorized and knowing act to (1) communicate classified information to a foreign power, or (2) obtain and collect such information on behalf of a foreign power.

Establishes a maximum criminal penalty of ten years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine for anyone who, having had lawful access to classified information, knowingly acts to disclose such information without authority. Establishes as a separate offense the knowing disclosure of sensitive intelligence information, with a penalty up to 20 years imprisonment and/or a $10,000 fine.

Establishes a maximum criminal penalty of five years imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine for anyone who without authority discloses information which identifies or could identify any individual or entity as being or having been associated with a United States agency engaged in foreign intelligence or counterintelligence activities, where such disclosure could prejudice the physical safety of the individual or entity identified.

Allows prosecution for the offenses of espionage or unauthorized disclosure of sensitive intelligence information only if the Attorney General and the Director of Central Intelligence certify in writing that at the time of the commission of the offense the information allegedly disclosed was properly designated.