# Classification
## Definition
Classification is an institutional system for restricting access to information according to assessed sensitivity, authorized need and handling rules.
## Architectural Role
Classification can reduce public diffusion while concentrating resources and access inside a protected program. [[wiki/Secrecy-Induced Proliferation|Secrecy-Induced Proliferation]] identifies the case in which multiple rival classified programs accelerate in parallel because each expects competitors to continue.
## See Also
[[wiki/Compartmentation|Compartmentation]], [[wiki/Intelligence Liaison|Intelligence Liaison]], [[wiki/Secrecy|Secrecy]]