Under which circumstance might foreign disclosure be denied?

Foreign disclosure may be denied when it conflicts with national security considerations because protecting national security is one of the primary responsibilities of defense organizations. Disclosure of certain information could potentially give adversaries an advantage, compromise sensitive operations, or expose vulnerabilities that could be exploited. This decision is made to ensure that information that could weaken national security, affect military readiness, or undermine U.S. interests does not leave the control of authorities.

In contrast, publicly available information, while it may not carry the same risks, does not require special considerations for disclosure restrictions. Information deemed too technical might still be shared with appropriate audiences who can understand and utilize it without compromising security. Similarly, obsolete information, while perhaps less relevant, may not pose a security risk if it no longer has operational significance. The core principle behind foreign disclosure policies is to safeguard the national security interests of the United States while navigating the complexities of international partnerships and collaborations.