confidentiality

[Tom Cornwall]

when I was in the military, and later the Civil Service, I had to sign the Official Secrets Act, which meant that if I told something of a sensitive nature, to somebody else, I could get arrested for doing it. How is it, nowadays, confidential reports etc are being leaked all the time, and no-one appears to be brought to book for doing it. Is the Official Secrets Act now defunct and binned? Seems odd to me.

[shazzap]

No it is not.
My husband had to sign this when he worked for a shipping company involved with the MOD about 6yrs ago.

[Phill]

I guess there at a juxtaposition with now having whistleblowing policies.

Plus it's various MP's behind these leaks and we know how they comply with the rules and regulations don't we.

[Cattach]

when I was in the military, and later the Civil Service, I had to sign the Official Secrets Act, which meant that if I told something of a sensitive nature, to somebody else, I could get arrested for doing it. How is it, nowadays, confidential reports etc are being leaked all the time, and no-one appears to be brought to book for doing it. Is the Official Secrets Act now defunct and binned? Seems odd to me.

Some folk will do anything for a few quid such as selling info to a journalist on the qt. Does not matter to them that is is or whom it may hurt.

[crayola]

when I was in the military, and later the Civil Service, I had to sign the Official Secrets Act, which meant that if I told something of a sensitive nature, to somebody else, I could get arrested for doing it. How is it, nowadays, confidential reports etc are being leaked all the time, and no-one appears to be brought to book for doing it. Is the Official Secrets Act now defunct and binned?
I could tell you but then I'd have to kill you. Are you willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for your country? :)


I guess there at a juxtaposition with now having whistleblowing policies.
This is a good point. Similar tensions exist between Freedom of Information and Data Protection issues.