What is information is prohibited from being classified for what reasons?

Information is prohibited from being classified for several reasons, primarily rooted in principles of transparency, accountability, and democratic governance. Here's a breakdown:

• To Prevent Concealing Wrongdoing: Classification cannot be used to shield illegal activities, waste, fraud, or abuse. Specifically, information cannot be classified to cover up violations of law, inefficiencies, or administrative errors. This is crucial for government accountability. See: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Government%20Accountability

• To Avoid Undue Restraint of Competition: Classifying information to prevent competition is prohibited. This ensures a fair and open market. It applies to information that, if released, would allow for companies to exploit an unfair economic advantage.

• To Suppress Dissent or Criticism: Information cannot be classified to suppress legitimate dissent, criticism, or public discussion of government actions. The freedom of speech and the press require transparency in governmental operations. This prevents the government from silencing its critics. See: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Freedom%20of%20Speech

• To Conceal Embarrassment: Information can't be classified simply because its disclosure would be embarrassing to an individual, organization, or the government. The potential for public embarrassment is not a legitimate reason to withhold information.

• When Overriding Public Interest: Even if information technically meets the criteria for classification, it might be deemed unclassifiable if the public interest in disclosure clearly outweighs the need to protect it. This is often determined by balancing national security concerns against the benefits of public awareness. See: https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/Public%20Interest

The specifics are codified in laws and executive orders governing information classification policies. These regulations aim to balance national security needs with the public's right to know and hold their government accountable.