What is the main focus of the Intelligence Community Directive (ICD)?

The Intelligence Community Directive (ICD) primarily aims to establish standards for classifying and safeguarding classified information. This directive serves as a framework that guides the practices within the intelligence community regarding how sensitive information is handled, ensuring that it is classified appropriately to protect national security interests. By setting these standards, the ICD ensures consistency across various agencies in managing classified information, which is critical for maintaining operational security and protecting sensitive sources and methods.

The emphasis on classification and safeguarding is vital because it provides a structured approach for intelligence personnel to determine what information should be classified, how long it should remain classified, and the appropriate handling and sharing protocols to maintain its security. Understanding this framework is essential for anyone involved in the intelligence community, as it directly impacts the effectiveness and legality of intelligence operations.