Title 42, The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-102

§2161 Policy of Commission

Title 42 › CHAPTER 23 — DEVELOPMENT AND CONTROL OF ATOMIC ENERGY › SUBCHAPTER XI — CONTROL OF INFORMATION › § 2161

Last updated Aug 21, 2026|Official source

Summary

The Commission must control how Restricted Data about atomic energy is shared and declassified so the nation’s defense and security are protected. Until effective, enforceable international safeguards are set up by an international agreement, Restricted Data must not be shared with other countries except as allowed under section 2164. Scientific and technical information about atomic energy should be allowed and encouraged so ideas can be exchanged, science and industry can advance, and the public can better understand the subject.

Full Legal Text

Title 42, §2161

The Public Health and Welfare, Source: USLM XML via OLRC

It shall be the policy of the Commission to control the dissemination and declassification of Restricted Data in such a manner as to assure the common defense and security. Consistent with such policy, the Commission shall be guided by the following principles:
(a)Until effective and enforceable international safeguards against the use of atomic energy for destructive purposes have been established by an international arrangement, there shall be no exchange of Restricted Data with other nations except as authorized by section 2164 of this title; and
(b)The dissemination of scientific and technical information relating to atomic energy should be permitted and encouraged so as to provide that free interchange of ideas and criticism which is essential to scientific and industrial progress and public understanding and to enlarge the fund of technical information.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

Provisions similar to this section were contained in section 1810(a) of this title, prior to the general amendment and renumbering of act Aug. 1, 1946, by act Aug. 30, 1954.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

42 U.S.C. § 2161

Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare

Last Updated

Aug 21, 2026

Release point: 119-102