Balancing Scientific Publication and National Security Concerns: Issues for Congress
Abstract
The federal government has historically supported the open publication of federally funded research results. In cases where such results presented a challenge to national security concerns, several mechanisms have been employed. For the results of fundamental research, the federal policy has been to use classification to limit its dissemination. For advanced technology and technological information, a combination of classification, export, and arms trafficking regulation is used to inhibit its spread. The terrorist attacks of 2001 have increased scrutiny of nonconventional weapons, including weapons of mass destruction, and a series of research publications, including results showing that polio virus could be artificially created, have increased concerns over whether publication of federally funded extramural research results could threaten national security. The current federal policy, as described in National Security Decision Directive 189, is that fundamental research should remain unrestricted and that, in the rare case where it is necessary to restrict such information, classification is the appropriate vehicle to do so. Other mechanisms restrict information flow on the international level, where Export Administration Regulations (EAR) and International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) control the export of items and technical information on specific lists. Both the EAR and ITAR contain an exclusion for fundamental research, but this exclusion is lost if prepublication review of research results for sensitive information occurs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 10, 2003
- Accession Number
- ADA472372
Entities
People
- Dana A. Shea
Organizations
- Library of Congress