Which term represents the process of downgrading a classification level?

• A. Data format
• B. Deidentification
• C. Declassification
• D. Data Tag

Answer: (C)

Downgrading a document’s protection level is called declassification. It describes the process of reducing the sensitivity of information so that access controls are relaxed or removed, allowing a broader audience to view the material. Declassification is part of the information lifecycle after a review determines the data no longer requires the highest safeguards, and it may be done fully or with redactions to protect remaining sensitive details. This is different from deidentification, which removes personal identifiers to protect privacy, data tagging, which is just labeling data with handling rules, and data format, which concerns how data is structured.