File:Gov Information Levels.jpg

The US Government has a uniform system for classifying, declassifying, and safeguarding national security information. This system recognizes that the interests of the United States and its citizens require that certain information concerning the national defense and foreign relations be protected against unauthorized disclosure. Information may not be classified unless its disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause damage to the national security. Information can be classified as:

Collateral Information categories:

- Top Secret, which refers to national security information that requires the highest degree of protection. The test for assigning a Top Secret classification is whether its unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause exceptionally grave damage to the national security.

- Secret, which refers to national security information that requires a substantial degree of protection. The test for assigning a Secret classification is whether its unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause serious damage to the national security.

- Confidential, which refers to national security information that requires protection. The test for assigning a Confidential classification is whether its unauthorized disclosure could reasonably be expected to cause damage to the national security.

Compartmented Information relates to communications intelligence and intelligence sources and methods. These "compartments" are identified by special codewords and control markings. Furthermore, approximately a dozen Special Handling Caveats - such as NOFORN, ORCON, EYES ONLY, etc. - can be assigned to information to limit distribution.

Special Access Program information relates to compartmented or collateral information that is particularly sensitive due to pending military operations or special intelligence capabilities that requires special protective measures.

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