47 U.S.C. § 333 — Willful or malicious interference

This is a single, simple rule. It bans interfering with radio communications in two situations.

First, no one may willfully or maliciously interfere with — or cause interference to — the radio communications of any station that's licensed or authorized by or under this chapter.

Second, the same rule protects any station operated by the United States^* Government, regardless of how it's authorized.

"Willfully" means the interference is done on purpose. "Maliciously" means it's done with intent to cause harm. The text of this section states the prohibition itself; it does not set out a penalty within this section.