What is a requirement for information to be eligible for classification under Executive Order 13526?

Information must fall into at least one of eight specified categories to be eligible for classification under Executive Order 13526. This Executive Order outlines specific criteria that define what types of information can be classified as confidential, secret, or top secret. The categories include national defense, foreign relations, and other sensitive information that requires protection for reasons of national security.

By adhering to these specified categories, the classification process ensures that only information deemed necessary for protection is classified, based on the potential harm its unauthorized disclosure could cause to national interests. This maintains a balance between the public's right to know and the need for government secrecy in certain sensitive areas. This requirement is fundamental to the classification system and is designed to promote consistency and accountability in how information is handled.