What is the purpose of including distribution statements on scientific and technical documents?

The purpose of including distribution statements on scientific and technical documents is to determine a document's availability for disclosure. These statements provide essential guidance on the authorized audience for the information contained within a document, specifying any restrictions on who can access or share it. By clearly defining who is permitted to view or disseminate the information, distribution statements serve to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with regulatory and security requirements. This also helps in maintaining the integrity of the information while facilitating the appropriate sharing of knowledge among authorized users.

The other options, while relevant to document management or information security, do not specifically capture the primary role of distribution statements. For example, identifying a document's validity pertains more to confirming its authenticity, outlining ownership focuses on intellectual property rights, and restricting online access addresses cybersecurity protocols rather than the clarity of document access to various audiences.