Who has the authority to classify information as a limited number of people?

The correct answer reflects that Original Classification Authorities (OCAs) are the designated individuals who have the legal authority to classify information. OCAs are typically government officials with specific roles that require them to determine the sensitivity of information and its potential impact on national security if disclosed. They operate under guidelines established by executive orders and regulations that define their responsibilities and limits regarding classification.

OCAs possess the necessary expertise and access to evaluate the need for protecting certain information and can assign classification levels such as Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret. This authority is confined to a limited number of individuals, ensuring that classification is appropriately managed and controlled within the federal framework.

In contrast, while derivative classifiers can classify information based on existing classifications and guidance, they do not have the original authority to assign new classifications. Public citizens and external contractors lack the official designation and access required to classify government information, reinforcing the exclusivity of the authority held by OCAs.