A study of the effects of security classification restrictions on technical communication

Security classification in science and technology has aroused strong feelings, but there is little objective information about its effects. This paper presents the opposing, and highly subjective, points of view; summarizes objective studies of information flow; and reports an investigation of the flow of restricted and unrestricted information in a large research-and-development laboratory. The investigation showed that security classifications had little effect on the laboratory's procedures and output, however, additional research is indicated. Altogether, this paper demonstrates the feasibility of obtaining empirical data on the effects of security classification on technical communication — data that are much needed, in view of the ongoing controversy.