When a new document contains information drawn from multiple sources with different classifications, the document should bear the classification of:

When a new document contains information drawn from multiple sources with different classifications, the document should bear the classification of:

• A. The lowest classification among the sources
• B. The highest classification among the sources
• C. The most recent classification among the sources
• D. The most restrictive requirement across the sources

Answer: (D)

In derivative classification, you apply the most restrictive requirement across all sources to the new document. This means if any material comes from a more sensitive source, the whole document must be marked at that higher level and carry the strictest handling and dissemination controls from among the sources. The goal is to prevent exposing information at a level lower than what the most sensitive source requires. For example, if one source is SECRET and another is CONFIDENTIAL, the document should be classified SECRET and follow SECRET handling rules. This is not about recency or choosing the lowest level; it’s about ensuring the document’s protection matches the highest applicable restriction.

In derivative classification, you apply the most restrictive requirement across all sources to the new document. This means if any material comes from a more sensitive source, the whole document must be marked at that higher level and carry the strictest handling and dissemination controls from among the sources. The goal is to prevent exposing information at a level lower than what the most sensitive source requires. For example, if one source is SECRET and another is CONFIDENTIAL, the document should be classified SECRET and follow SECRET handling rules. This is not about recency or choosing the lowest level; it’s about ensuring the document’s protection matches the highest applicable restriction.