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Official Secrets Act changes could put whistle blowers in jail

Sweeping reforms to the Official Secrets Act could criminalise public interest journalism by exposing journalists and whistle blowers to harsh new penalties such as lengthy prison sentences, the News Media Association said today. Responding to the Home Office’s consultation on legislation to counter state threats, , the NMA warned that proposals for stiffer custodial sentences and widening the scope for prosecuting individuals could open the floodgates to the media and its sources being prosecuted despite acting in the public interest. Instead of implementing these draconian measures, a public interest defence should be introduced to the regime to protect freedom of speech and a new Statutory Commissioner could be created to provide swift redress for whistle-blowers caught by the Official Secrets Act.

County Press backs fightback against Official Secrets reforms | Isle of Wight County Press

NMA: Official Secrets Act Reform Could Criminalise Public Interest Journalism

U-turn hint over threat of 14-year jail terms for journalists who use leaked Government documents