What should be done with copies of classified documents that are no longer needed?

When classified documents are no longer needed, they must be handled according to strict security protocols to prevent unauthorized access or dissemination of sensitive information. The requirement to securely destroy or return these documents minimizes the risk of classified data falling into the wrong hands.

Secure destruction involves processes such as shredding, burning, or using other methods that ensure the material cannot be reconstructed or retrieved. This compliance with security standards is vital for maintaining the integrity of national security and protecting classified information. Returning the documents to an appropriate authority ensures that the organization can properly manage and account for the classified materials, adhering to regulatory and legal standards associated with handling sensitive information.

The other choices fail to align with these stringent security protocols, thereby increasing the risk of unauthorized access and compromising sensitive data.