What is scheduled declassification?

Scheduled declassification refers to declassification that occurs based on specific instructions from the Original Classification Authority (OCA). This process ensures that certain classified information is reviewed and potentially declassified at a predetermined date or after a specified time period. The use of scheduled declassification provides a systematic approach to managing classified information, ensuring that it is regularly assessed for its relevance and necessity to remain classified.

In contrast to the other options, this process involves a structured and planned framework, allowing for consistent and controlled declassification practices as dictated by the OCA. This method maintains the integrity of information security while also promoting transparency over time, as appropriate.

The remaining choices relate to other declassification processes but do not capture the essence of scheduled declassification. For instance, automatic declassification does occur but is not uniformly set at a 10-year mark for all records, as the time frame can differ based on various factors or categories of information. Declassification triggered by whistleblower reports and immediate declassification at the request of an agency head represent reactive and specific situations rather than the systematic approach defined in scheduled declassification.