Accessing Classified Information

The U.S. government classifies sensitive information into three levels: Confidential, Secret, and Top Secret. These indicate increasing sensitivity, from damage to exceptionally grave damage to national security if disclosed.[1][2]

Who Can Access Classified Information

Only the President, Vice President, agency heads, and designated officials can classify information.[2] Access requires appropriate security clearance and a “need to know.”[1] The President and Vice President have access to all levels but review select documents. Storage occurs in secure SCIFs with restricted entry.[1]

Disclosure and Public Release

Public release of classified information raises legal issues. Journalists can face prosecution under the Espionage Act. Agencies balance security and transparency, as federal prosecutors protect victim privacy and DOJ follows rules for releasing files, including standard practices for closed cases.

How It Becomes Public

Leaks from the White House or reviews like the President’s Intelligence Advisory Board on UFO files bring information public. This highlights tensions between security and transparency.[1]