What is essential when declassifying information?

When declassifying information, thoroughly documenting the decision is essential because it provides a clear and traceable record of the rationale behind the declassification. This documentation serves multiple purposes: it ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, helps maintain the integrity of the declassification process, and allows for accountability in decision-making. Proper documentation also facilitates any necessary audits or reviews and aids in future assessments concerning similar information.

In contrast, while informing the public is important, it is not always immediate or necessary for every declassification. A random selection process does not align with the structured approach required for declassification, which typically involves careful review and consideration rather than randomness. Lastly, simply removing all related documents could lead to information gaps and hinder transparency or future access to relevant data; it's essential to manage records properly rather than eliminate them entirely.