The U.S. equivalent classification level to a foreign government's level of "Restricted" is what?

The classification level "Restricted" in the context of foreign government information typically indicates a level of sensitivity that, while not the highest, still requires specific handling and protection to prevent unauthorized disclosure. In the U.S. classification system, the equivalent level to "Restricted" aligns most closely with the "Confidential" classification.

The "Confidential" classification level in the U.S. signifies information that, if disclosed without authorization, could cause damage to national security. This is directly parallel to the intent of the "Restricted" designation used by some foreign governments, which implies that the information is sensitive but doesn't rise to the level of causing serious damage if disclosed.

Understanding this equivalence is important for maintaining consistent standards of information protection across various systems and ensuring that sensitive information remains secure, regardless of its origin.