Which of the following is NOT a rationale for classifying information?

The selection of the rationale for classifying information that emphasizes the need to ensure information is widely accessible is accurate because classification inherently limits access rather than encourages it. The primary objectives of classification are to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access, safeguarding national security interests, operational details, and preventing any potential threats that could arise from widespread access to certain information.

In the context of national security, information must be classified to control who can access it, hence diminishing the likelihood of compromising sensitive data that could jeopardize a country’s safety. Therefore, while it is crucial for some information to be available to authorized personnel, classification serves to restrict access to what is deemed necessary for protecting certain interests, rather than promoting broad accessibility. This underscores the crucial distinction between the role of classification in information management and the goal of widespread information dissemination.