Under what conditions can classified information be released to the public?

Classified information can be released to the public following a declassification decision or if it is already publicly available. This means that for information that has been officially reviewed and designated as no longer requiring protection, or information that has already been disclosed through other channels, public release is appropriate and sanctioned.

Declassification is a formal process that determines whether sensitive information can be made accessible without compromising national security. It ensures that the material has been assessed against current security standards and is no longer considered a risk. Additionally, if information has been widely published or made available through other legitimate means, it loses its classified status by virtue of its accessibility to the public.

This approach ensures that sensitive information is controlled and that any release does not jeopardize safety or security. The other choices either misunderstand the conditions under which classified information can be shared or suggest arbitrary criteria that do not align with established protocols for handling classified data.