This consensus position addresses agreed-upon principles on data communication independence for digital I&C systems between safety systems, between redundant divisions of a safety system, and between systems of different safety classes. Although the focus of this consensus position is on digital I&C data communications, the principles discussed herein may also apply to other forms of communication. The principles discussed herein are not to be construed as a requirement or regulation; instead, they are intended to serve as a source of information to be used for developing clear and sufficient regulatory guidance for maintaining data communication independence