What is the primary role of the classification authority?

The primary role of the classification authority is to determine what information should be classified and at what level. This responsibility is crucial for safeguarding sensitive information that, if disclosed, could compromise national security or the integrity of operations. The classification authority assesses the nature of the information, its potential risks, and the criteria established by legal and regulatory guidelines to decide the appropriate classification level, such as confidential, secret, or top secret. This role is essential in maintaining a balance between transparency and security, ensuring that only necessary information is kept classified while allowing access to information that can be shared safely.