London, Nov 7, IRNA, There has been a huge increase in the number of D-notices issued against the British press and broadcasters in the last two years to prevent the reporting of sensitive information, according to the latest official figures.
Seven D-notice letters of advice were sent to all editors by the Defence Press and Broadcasting Advisory Committee (DPBAC) in 2007 and a further five so far this year, Defence Minister Kevan Jones revealed in a written parliamentary reply published Friday.
This compares with just two being issued in each of the previous three years from 2003, one in 2002, three in 2001, two in 2000, three in 1999 and none in either 1998 or 1997.
The D-Notice system, which is a virtual blanket publication ban, is a voluntary code that began back in 1912 to provide guidance to the British media on the publication or broadcasting of national security information.
The committee, a joint government-media body, says the objective is to “prevent inadvertent public disclosure of information that would compromise UK military and intelligence operations and methods, or put at risk the safety of those involved in such operations, or lead to attacks that would damage the critical national infrastructure and/or endanger lives.”
No details are given of the latest bans but according to the DPBAC website, five standing D-notices in April 2004 covered such areas as military operations, nuclear and non-nuclear weapons, sensitive installations and intelligence and security services.
Some journalists have argued that the bans often include subjects that are merely unflattering to government, rather than a matter of national defense and thus are a form of soft censorship.
Although media companies and individual journalists can opt out of cooperating with D-Notices advisories, there is always the possibility of professional disciplinary action, or legal
punishment, such as fines or the suspension of privileges.