The authority to designate whether information is classified and to determine its classification level lies with the Classification Authority , often referred to as the Original Classification Authority (OCA). This individual or entity is authorized by an executive order or government directive to classify information in the interest of national security. The OCA assesses the sensitivity of the information and applies appropriate classification markings such as "Top Secret," "Secret," or "Confidential" based on the potential damage its unauthorized disclosure could cause

. In the United States, this authority is typically granted to high-ranking officials such as the president, vice president, agency heads, or other designated personnel as outlined in executive orders like Executive Order 13526. These authorities are responsible for ensuring that classified information is properly protected and only accessible to individuals with the necessary security clearance and a legitimate need to know

. The classification process involves evaluating the information's content, impact of disclosure, and duration of classification. The OCA must confirm that the information is government-owned or controlled before classifying it. This structured process ensures sensitive information is safeguarded according to established legal and regulatory frameworks

. In summary:

• Who designates classification? The Original Classification Authority (OCA), authorized by executive order or government directive.
• Who can be OCA? President, vice president, agency heads, or other specifically designated officials.
• Basis for classification: Potential damage to national security and government interests.
• Classification levels: Top Secret, Secret, Confidential, and sometimes additional categories like Sensitive But Unclassified (SBU).

This system is primarily governed by executive orders rather than statutes, with Executive Order 13526 currently outlining the classification framework in the U.S.