Formerly Restricted Data declassification is determined jointly by which agencies?

• A. Department of Energy and Department of Defense
• B. Department of State and Department of Justice
• C. Department of Energy and Department of Homeland Security
• D. Central Intelligence Agency and Department of Defense

Answer: (A)

Formerly Restricted Data declassification is determined jointly by the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense. This dual authority reflects that FRD sits at the intersection of nuclear information management and national security. DOE handles the classification and control of nuclear data, including what qualifies as FRD, while DoD provides the security assessment of how releasing that information could affect defense capabilities. When a FRD item is evaluated for declassification, both agencies review it to ensure that disclosure wouldn’t compromise weapon designs or other sensitive defense interests. Other agencies aren’t the primary determinants of FRD declassification, since the authority hinges on this collaboration between DOE and DoD.