Who is responsible for approving foreign disclosures?

The authorized disclosure authority within the respective agency is responsible for approving foreign disclosures because this role is specifically designated to manage and oversee the disclosure of sensitive information while ensuring compliance with security regulations and policies. Each agency within the Department of Defense (DoD) has designated personnel who are trained and authorized to assess the risks and benefits associated with disclosing information to foreign entities. This responsibility requires a deep understanding of both national security concerns and international relationships, making it critical for the authorized entity to evaluate the implications of such disclosures.

The Secretary of Defense and the Director of National Intelligence may play significant roles in the broader context of national security and intelligence sharing, but they do not engage in the specific approval of disclosures at the agency level. Similarly, while the Foreign Military Sales Office is involved in the process of selling military equipment to foreign nations, it does not handle the broader category of information disclosures. Therefore, the most accurate choice for who is responsible for approving foreign disclosures is the authorized disclosure authority within the respective agency.