What is the primary law governing the protection of classified information in the U.S.?

The primary law governing the protection of classified information in the U.S. is centered around several key statutes and executive orders, with the Espionage Act playing a significant role alongside specific executive orders that outline the classified information framework. The Espionage Act establishes criminal penalties for the unauthorized disclosure of national defense information, which includes classified documents and data. Additionally, executive orders set the specific procedures and guidelines related to the classification of information, including what constitutes classified information, the levels of classification, and the processes for declassification. This multi-faceted approach ensures rigorous protection of sensitive governmental information, which is crucial for national security.

In contrast, the other options address different aspects of privacy and information access. The Privacy Act focuses on protecting personal information held by federal agencies, the Freedom of Information Act facilitates public access to government records, and the National Security Act primarily relates to the establishment of national security structures and policies rather than specific protections for classified information.