What term describes the authority to classify information at creation?

What term describes the authority to classify information at creation?

• A. Derivative Classification Authority
• B. National Security Classification Authority
• C. Original Classification Authority
• D. Administrative Classification Authority

Answer: (C)

The key idea is who is authorized to assign an initial classification to new information as it is created. This role is the Original Classification Authority. Someone holding this authority makes the initial decision about the level of classification (Top Secret, Secret, or Confidential) based on classification guidance and the potential damage that disclosure could cause. They ensure the decision follows policy and, if needed, rely on established criteria to justify why creation of the new classification is appropriate. Derivative Classification Authority, by contrast, covers applying existing classification guidance to information that is derived from already classified sources—not making the first classification decision for new material. The other terms aren’t standard designations for the initial creation process.

The key idea is who is authorized to assign an initial classification to new information as it is created. This role is the Original Classification Authority. Someone holding this authority makes the initial decision about the level of classification (Top Secret, Secret, or Confidential) based on classification guidance and the potential damage that disclosure could cause. They ensure the decision follows policy and, if needed, rely on established criteria to justify why creation of the new classification is appropriate.

Derivative Classification Authority, by contrast, covers applying existing classification guidance to information that is derived from already classified sources—not making the first classification decision for new material. The other terms aren’t standard designations for the initial creation process.