Who is responsible for marking classified information?

The responsibility for marking classified information lies with the original classification authority or designated individuals who have received training in classification. This is critical because classified information is sensitive and mismanagement can lead to significant security risks, including unauthorized disclosure of national security information. Original classification authorities are individuals who have the requisite knowledge, expertise, and authority granted by the relevant government agency to classify information in the first instance.

Designated individuals also play a vital role; they may be tasked with marking information that has been determined to be classified by the original classification authority. Such training ensures that these individuals understand the classification levels, the appropriate marking requirements, and the procedures for handling classified information, which helps maintain the integrity and security of sensitive data.

In contrast, other options such as any employee in a government agency or any individual with a security clearance may not have the necessary authority or training to properly classify information. External contractors, while they may handle classified information, typically do so under strict guidelines and oversight from the government, which means they are not inherently responsible for the initial marking or classification of information. Their roles are often limited to the execution of tasks rather than taking on classification responsibilities.