Information is prohibited from being classified when the purpose of classification is improper. In this context, the correct “select all that apply” responses are:

  • To conceal violations of law, inefficiencies, or errors.
  • To prevent embarrassment (for an individual, agency, or the government).
  • To restrain competition (for example, to gain or protect an unfair commercial or political advantage).

By contrast, “to protect national security” is a valid reason to classify information and therefore is not one of the prohibited reasons in this type of question.