Will Bioterror Fears Spawn Science Censorship?

Now here is a dangerous road.

Since September 11th, people have been increasingly worried about the misuse of legitimate scientific research to create dangerous weapons or to bypass security measures. Now a federal advisory board is about to recommend new guidelines to limit publication of life-sciences research that could be misused by terrorists.

The draft proposes voluntary compliance by scientists, universities and journals, but leaves open the possibility of federal legislation to turn the guidelines into law. Indeed, it almost invites that result by supporting application of the NSABB recommendations to researchers that do not receive federal funds -- a result that can only be achieved through regulation.

As a lawyer for computer security researchers, it is impossible to regard this prospect with anything but dread.

I agree.