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True or False? Classified information or CUI that has been put in the public domain is free to share.

User Ahmy
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Final answer:

Classified information or CUI that has been leaked into the public domain is not freely shareable; disclosure is still governed by law. The Supreme Court's rulings enforce limited rights for the press to publish such information, and legal repercussions may apply to unauthorized distribution.

Step-by-step explanation:

False, classified information or Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) that has been put into the public domain is not automatically free to share. Despite being publicly accessible, the information's classified status still imposes legal restrictions on its handling and dissemination. The Supreme Court has made it clear that the press has only a limited right to publish classified material. Specifically, the press maintains a partial right, where they can publish classified material only if it does not compromise troops or covert operatives, implying a nuanced stance on the rights versus the potential damage to national security.

Furthermore, journalists and media outlets may receive requests from the government to redact classified material in the interest of national security, and courts may be asked to rule on what is permissible to print. In cases where classified information is disclosed improperly, both the publisher and the individual who leaks the information may face legal consequences. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and the Sunshine Act provide for transparency, but they also include exceptions for classified information, demonstrating the balance the government seeks to maintain between transparency and security.

User Frieder
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