Information that could embarrass the government but not harm national security should be classified?

Information that could embarrass the government but not harm national security should be classified?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only if it reveals sources
• D. Sometimes

Answer: (B)

Classification decisions are driven by potential harm to national security, not by whether information might embarrass the government. If releasing information would not risk adversaries, reveal sensitive sources or methods, or otherwise threaten national security, it should not be withheld simply to avoid embarrassment. There are processes to review and declassify material, or to release it under public-interest exemptions, when appropriate. So, information that could embarrass but does not harm national security belongs in the public domain rather than in a classified vault.

Classification decisions are driven by potential harm to national security, not by whether information might embarrass the government. If releasing information would not risk adversaries, reveal sensitive sources or methods, or otherwise threaten national security, it should not be withheld simply to avoid embarrassment. There are processes to review and declassify material, or to release it under public-interest exemptions, when appropriate. So, information that could embarrass but does not harm national security belongs in the public domain rather than in a classified vault.