The function that is NOT a part of derivative classification is making an initial determination that information requires protection against unauthorized disclosure in the interest of national security. This role belongs to the original classification authority (OCA). Derivative classification involves creating new classified materials from existing properly marked classified sources, carrying forward the correct classification level, and extracting, paraphrasing, restating, or generating in new form information that is already classified. Derivative classifiers do not make original classification decisions but apply classification based on existing classified information or classification guides.
