What effect does combining multiple unclassified pieces of information into a new document have?

Combining multiple unclassified pieces of information into a new document can lead to a situation where the new compilation is classified. This occurs when the aggregation of the data creates a context or pattern that could reveal sensitive information that, while individually unclassified, becomes classified when considered in total. For example, when seemingly innocuous facts are combined, they could provide insights into a classified program or operational details that were not evident when the pieces were isolated.

This highlights a key principle of derivative classification: the act of classifying information is not just about the original sources but also about how that information is presented and connected within a new context. Therefore, the implications of combining unclassified data should always be considered carefully to avoid inadvertently classifying the new document.