Controlled Technologies Act

A law passed by the Stellar Compact to categorize and regulate technologies which pose risks to people, societies, and civilizations either inherently or if misapplied. As an act ratified by the General and Parliamentary Assemblies, it is binding on all member states. It was developed as a solution to the ever-increasing destructive powers unleashed by the advancement of technology, and the need to keep it from being used by unstable nations or individuals to cause mass damage.

Classification System

The CTA established a classification system for specified technologies, along with precautions which are to be taken at each level.

Class I - Forbidden

Technologies which create existential threats to civilization or are exceedingly inhumane to use, e.g. strategic relativistic kinetic systems, nanoplagues, and certain types of alien paleotechnology. It is illegal to own or use anything in this tier without approval from the Existential Risks Directorate, and any examples found must be surrendered to the authorities immediately.

Class II - Strict Oversight

Dangerous devices whose existential risk potential is not as high as in Class I, but which still must not be allowed to fall into the wrong hands: antimatter, genetically-engineered bioweapons, atomic warheads with yields over one kiloton, etc. Member states are allowed to possess these, but they must be strictly controlled with precautions like two-man rules.

Class III - Misuse Dangerous

Things not designed as weapons but easily repurposed to that end, such as torchships and large airplanes. Users should be vetted, psychologically screened, and licensed before access is allowed.

Class IV - Regulated

Special care required to prevent negative impacts on individuals and societies. Examples include memetics and some types of personal weapons. Use should be regulated and not completely free, but unlike the first three this is not a "positive control" tier

Rumors, denied by the Stellar Compact, continue to persist of a Class 0 for technologies so dangerous even their existence must be kept secret lest someone figure out how to replicate them.