True or False: The only lawful reason to classify information is to protect national security.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. To prevent corporate espionage
• D. For privacy concerns

Answer: (A)

The statement that the only lawful reason to classify information is to protect national security is considered true. Classification is primarily intended to safeguard information that, if disclosed, could harm the national defense or foreign relations of the United States. This is the fundamental purpose of classification under the national security framework, particularly as outlined in executive orders and laws governing classification.

While there are other considerations that might lead organizations or entities to keep information confidential, such as preventing corporate espionage or addressing privacy concerns, these reasons do not fall under the legal parameters that govern the classification of information for national security purposes. Classification procedures are specific and are designed to control access to information that relates to national security explicitly. Therefore, when discussing lawful reasons for classification, national security remains the sole guiding principle outlined in applicable regulations.