Professional Documents
Culture Documents
System of classification
The system uses five levels of classification, supplemented with pigeonhole keywords:.[2] The keyword must be placed in all capital letters in the centre of the top and bottom of each page of a classified document. In descending order of secrecy these are: Top secret Information marked as Top secret is that which whose release is liable to cause considerable loss of life, international diplomatic incidents, or severely impact ongoing intelligence operations. Prior to the Second World War, the highest level was "Most Secret"; it was renamed so that the UK and US operated to a consistent system. Secret This marking is used for information whose side-effects may be life-threatening, disruptive to public order or detrimental to diplomatic relations with friendly nations. Confidential The effects of releasing information marked as Confidential include considerable infringement on personal liberties, material damage to diplomatic relations, or to seriously disrupt day-to-day life in the country. Restricted Information marked as Restricted is at a level where the release of the material will have effects such as significant distress to individuals, adversely affecting the effectiveness of military operations, or to compromise law enforcement. Protect Such information will cause distress to individuals, cause financial loss or improper gain, prejudice the investigation or facilitate the commission of a crime or disadvantage government in commercial or policy negotiations with others.
Handling
Access to protectively marked material is limited by a system of security clearance. Protectively marked material must be accounted for in a manner appropriate to its classification level and disposal must be in accordance with the SPF. The act of destruction or disposal is included in the accounting process.
Descriptors
Protectively marked material may also be marked with a descriptor, or privacy marking, which identifies sensitivities around distribution and handling. Examples of descriptors include, but are not restricted to: Budget Commercial Honours Management Medical Personal Policy
Nationality caveat
Protectively marked material may bear a nationality caveat, a descriptor defining which nationality groups it may be released to. By default material in the UK is not caveated by nationality, the classification being sufficient protection. Examples of nationality caveats include, but are not limited to: UK EYES ONLY CANUKUS EYES ONLY Canadian, UK or US citizens. AUSCANNZUKUS Australia, New Zealand, Canada, UK and USA (the UKUSA Community, also known as the "Five-Eyes").
Codewords
Dissemination of already protectively marked material may be further limited only to those with a legitimate need to know using compartmentalisation by use of codewords. Examples of compartmented material would include information about nuclear warheads, fusion, and naval nuclear propulsion. In some case the existence of a codeworded compartment is itself classified. Examples of codewords include, but are not limited to: LOCSEN has local sensitivity, and may not be shown to local officials. NATSEN has national sensitivity. DEDIP, DESDEN may not be shown to certain named officials.
Vetting
Access to protectively marked material is defined according to a vetting level which the individual has achieved. Vetting is carried out by individual departments to standards laid down in the MPS. Vetting is intended to assure the department that the individual has not been involved in espionage, terrorism, sabotage or actions intended to overthrow or undermine Parliamentary democracy by political, industrial or violent means. It also assures the department that the individual has not been a member of, or associated with, any organisation which has advocated such activities or has demonstrated a lack of reliability through dishonesty, lack of integrity or behaviour. Finally the process assures the department that the individual will not be subject to pressure or improper influence through past behaviour or personal circumstances.[3] Five levels of vetting exist:
Classified information in the United Kingdom credit reference checks and a review of personal finances an interview with the person being vetted and/or references from people who are familiar with the person's character in both home and work environment.
References
[1] http:/ / www. cabinetoffice. gov. uk/ spf/ faqs. aspx [2] http:/ / www. cabinetoffice. gov. uk/ media/ 207318/ hmg_security_policy. pdf [3] Hansard, Written answers 15 Dec 1994 Hansard online (http:/ / www. publications. parliament. uk/ pa/ cm199495/ cmhansrd/ 1994-12-15/ Writtens-4. html)
License
Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported //creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/