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Tags: documents | overclassification | federal employees | authority

Overclassification of Documents a 'Well-Known' Problem

By    |   Monday, 23 January 2023 07:00 AM EST

National security experts say federal employees with the authority to label a document "top secret" have every incentive to broadly use their classification powers and no incentive to use restraint with the files that cross their desk – which has ultimately led to the mass overclassification of information.

The "top secret" designation was intended to be applied to documents that must be kept out of the public eye to protect national security. But some transparency advocates argue classification is not only overly restrictive but that politics are playing a prominent role in classification status, whether it's done to promote a certain policy or support a particular narrative.

Marisa Herman

Marisa Herman, a Newsmax senior reporter, focuses on major and investigative stories. A University of Florida graduate, she has more than a decade of experience as a reporter for newspapers, magazines, and websites.

© 2025 Newsmax. All rights reserved.


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National security experts say federal employees with the authority to label a document "top secret" have every incentive to broadly use their classification powers and no incentive to use restraint with the files that cross their desk.
documents, overclassification, federal employees, authority
941
2023-00-23
Monday, 23 January 2023 07:00 AM
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