Who determines declassification, i.e., when information no longer requires protection?

• A. Original Classification Authority (OCA)
• B. Declassification Authority
• C. Agency Head
• D. Security Officer

Answer: (A)

The ability to decide that information no longer needs protection rests with the Original Classification Authority. The person who originally placed the classification on the material holds the ongoing responsibility to review it and determine whether it should be declassified or downgraded, following official procedures. They can make the declassification decision themselves or delegate to someone they authorize, but the authority ultimately traces back to the OCA. This ensures that the person with the original context and sensitivity assessment governs the release of the information. The Agency Head sets policy and may appoint declassification reviewers, but they do not typically decide, on an item-by-item basis, whether a specific document should be released. The Security Officer handles protection and access enforcement, not declassification decisions.