Classified Information

In the U.S., government information is considered classified if it meets specific criteria outlined in Executive Order 13526 (issued in 2009) and related federal regulations. The main criteria are:

Classification Levels

Information can be classified at one of three levels based on potential damage to national security:

• Top Secret — If disclosed, could cause exceptionally grave damage to national security.
• Secret — If disclosed, could cause serious damage to national security.
• Confidential — If disclosed, could cause damage to national security.

Classification Criteria

To be classified, information must meet ALL of the following conditions:

• Owned, produced, or controlled by the U.S. government.
• Falls within one of the eight protected categories under Executive Order 13526:

1. Military plans, weapons systems, or operations
2. Foreign government information
3. Intelligence activities, sources, or methods
4. Foreign relations or diplomatic activities
5. Scientific, technological, or economic matters related to national security
6. U.S. government programs for safeguarding…