Let's talk about nuclear security: National perspectives on the importance of public communication

Communicating with non-experts, the public or the media about nuclear security requires a delicate balance between transparency and respect for the confidentiality and sensitivity of information. The complexity of the challenge becomes even more evident when considering the highly technical content and terminology used in relation to aspects of nuclear security work, from physical protection to computer security and nuclear forensics. "Communicating on nuclear security can be as challenging as it is for nuclear safety and radiation protection: topics are technically complex; we need to take into account anxiety and fears related to nuclear energy, as well as misinformation and disinformation," says Cédric van Caloen, Public and International Affairs Expert at Belgium's Federal Agency for Nuclear Control (FANC), the national regulatory authority responsible for communication regarding nuclear safety, radiation protection and nuclear security.