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Unauthorized disclosure specifically refers to the act of providing classified information to individuals who do not have the necessary clearance or need-to-know basis to access that information. This concept is crucial in maintaining national security and protecting sensitive data. When classified information is shared improperly, it can compromise the security measures established to safeguard that information, potentially leading to harmful consequences for national and organizational interests.

This understanding distinguishes unauthorized disclosure from other actions related to classified information. For instance, creating classified information without approval pertains to the process of generating sensitive data rather than the sharing of it, while using classified information for personal gain involves a different ethical breach entirely. Transferring classified information to a foreign entity, while serious, typically falls under espionage or intelligence violations rather than the act of unauthorized disclosure itself. Thus, the focus remains on the unauthorized provision of information, which could result in substantial risks and legal ramifications.