Which statement accurately describes original classification?

Which statement accurately describes original classification?

• A. Original classification refers to the initial determination that information requires protection against unauthorized disclosure in the interest of US national security.
• B. Original classification entails a 6 step process that results in the information custodian making a classification determination.
• C. Original classification is the process of declassifying information after a fixed period.
• D. Original classification only applies to information that is publicly available.

Answer: (A)

Original classification is the initial determination that information requires protection against unauthorized disclosure in the interest of national security. When information is created or received by a government entity, the person with classification authority assesses its sensitivity and marks it at the appropriate level (Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret) to prevent harm to national security. This decision is about safeguarding sensitive information, not about declassification or public availability. Declassification is a separate process that removes or downgrades those marks later, and there isn’t a universal six-step rule that defines original classification. Publicly available information would not be originally classified, since it’s already accessible.

Original classification is the initial determination that information requires protection against unauthorized disclosure in the interest of national security. When information is created or received by a government entity, the person with classification authority assesses its sensitivity and marks it at the appropriate level (Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret) to prevent harm to national security. This decision is about safeguarding sensitive information, not about declassification or public availability. Declassification is a separate process that removes or downgrades those marks later, and there isn’t a universal six-step rule that defines original classification. Publicly available information would not be originally classified, since it’s already accessible.