Final answer:
Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) is classified data that needs extra security measures and is redacted from documents like CIA reports released under FOIA to protect intelligence sources and methods. Certain sections are marked with black to indicate redaction, balancing transparency with national security.
Step-by-step explanation:
What is Sensitive Compartmented Information?
Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) refers to a classification of information that indicates data or intelligence sources, methods, or analytical processes that require specialized handling and access controls beyond what is required for classified information at the same level. In the context of a CIA document released under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), information may be redacted to protect SCI. These redactions ensure that even if a document is released, the sections containing SCI are not disclosed to the public, maintaining national security and the protection of intelligence sources and methods.
Redacted CIA documents often have black marks covering the text which holds such sensitive information. This is to keep certain details out of public reach while still complying with the legal requirements to disclose non-sensitive information. It is a balancing act between transparency and the protection of national security. Individuals who handle SCI typically require a high-level security clearance and a need-to-know basis for the compartmented information they access.