What does "declassification" refer to?

Declassification refers to the process of removing the classification designation from information that was previously deemed classified. This means that the information is no longer considered sensitive or restricted and can be accessed by the public or shared without the previous limitations associated with its classification. This process is important for making information available once it is determined that the original reasons for its classification no longer apply, such as changes in national security circumstances or the passage of time.

In contrast, other choices do not accurately capture the essence of declassification. The idea of changing ownership of information refers to a transfer of rights or responsibilities related to the information rather than addressing the classification status itself. The removal of all information from public access does not reflect the essence of declassification, as declassification is specifically about making information available rather than restricting access. Lastly, while reevaluating classified documents for new use may involve assessing whether information should remain classified, it doesn't directly equate to the removal of classification designation, which is the core aspect of declassification.