To ensure national security, access to sensitive information is limited based on?

The "Need to Know" principle is fundamental in the context of accessing sensitive information for national security. This principle states that individuals should only be granted access to information if it is necessary for them to perform their official duties or responsibilities. It serves as a safeguard to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access, thereby minimizing the risk of leaks or exploitation that could endanger national security interests.

By implementing this principle, organizations can maintain tighter control over who can view, handle, or distribute sensitive materials. This ensures that information is only shared with those whose roles require such access, thus promoting confidentiality and integrity within governmental operations. Additionally, the "Need to Know" principle aligns with overall policies and regulations geared towards safeguarding classified and sensitive data.

On the other hand, factors like the urgency of the request may warrant additional considerations but do not override security protocols. Personal feelings of Foreign Disclosure Officers may lead to bias but should not inform decisions regarding access to sensitive information. Lastly, while the level of authority of a requester can influence access decisions, it must still align with the "Need to Know" principle, reinforcing that authorization without necessity doesn't justify access to sensitive information. Thus, the "Need to Know" principle is the correct basis for limiting access to ensure national security.