Releasables

Releasables is a term used in information governance to describe information, documents, or materials that have been cleared for release to designated audiences or to the public. In government, defense, intelligence, and corporate settings, a material is considered releasable when its disclosure would not meaningfully compromise security, privacy, trade secrets, or policy interests. Releasables may be released in full or with redactions, depending on sensitivities.

Audiences for releasable material include the general public, allied governments, business partners, or internal stakeholders. Materials that are not releasable are designated non-releasable or require further processing, such as redaction, partial release, or denial.

Determining releasability typically involves a formal review by records managers, legal counsel, or release authorities. The process assesses potential harms, privacy protections, national security considerations, and legal requirements. Release decisions may be codified in declassification plans, redaction guides, or formal releasability determinations.

In practice, releasable materials support transparency, international cooperation, and compliance with information-access laws, while still guarding sensitive sources, methods, or proprietary information. Examples include declassified intelligence assessments released to the public, intelligence or strategic documents cleared for coalition sharing, and press-ready materials prepared for official publication.