The release of International Monitoring System data to third parties remains another controversial issue. Under the treaty, every member state has access to raw and processed data from monitoring stations. But the CTBT does not specify whether others, such as researchers or non-governmental organizations, should also have access. Potential recipients have repeatedly requested such access. For example, infrasound data from the International Monitoring System could warn civil air traffic of volcanic eruptions which can endanger aircraft.
China is the most prominent proponent of a narrow interpretation of confidentiality rules.
Others point out that the CTBT Organization will have to interact with various communities and institutions if it wants to take part in the scientific discussion. While support for the PrepCom process is expected to remain strong, the future of the CTBT remains in doubt. In particular, the stance of the United States remains in question, as new President George W. Bush stated his opposition to ratification during his campaign. Even U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, a former supporter of the CTBT, stated in his confirmation hearing that the Bush administration will not be asking the Congress to ratify the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, during its 2001- 02 legislative session. The success of the upcoming U.N. Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects remains in doubt, despite some initial progress, with diplomats still divided over the meeting s mandate and procedural format.