Government plans to tighten legislation to prevent whistleblowing

[DaveCinzano]

Fun times

The government has been accused of launching a “full-frontal attack” on whistleblowers over proposals to radically increase prison sentences for revealing state secrets and prosecute journalists.

Downing Street believes a major overhaul of existing secrecy legislation is necessary because it has become outdated in a digital age when government employees can easily disclose vast amounts of sensitive information.

Draft recommendations from the government’s legal advisers say the maximum prison sentence for leakers should be raised, potentially from two to 14 years, and the definition of espionage should be expanded to include obtaining sensitive information, as well as passing it on.

The moves have prompted concern from whistleblowers that draconian punishments could further discourage officials from coming forward in the public interest. One critic said the changes were “squarely aimed at the Guardian and Edward Snowden...

Government accused of 'full-frontal attack' on whistleblowers

The Law Commission – an independent body set up to reform the law – has today published a consultation paper which suggests ways to improve the law around the protection of official information.

Law Commissioner Professor David Ormerod QC said:

“The Law Commission welcomed the opportunity to conduct this rigorous, independent review of the law around the protection of data, including the Official Secrets Acts.

“We have made a number of provisional conclusions as to how the legislation could be improved that we believe will enhance the protection that is currently afforded to official information.

“We welcome views.”

http://www.lawcom.gov.uk/official-secrets-acts-reviewed-to-meet-the-challenges-of-the-21st-century/

The open public consultation on the protection of official data will run until 3 April. We welcome views.

http://www.lawcom.gov.uk/project/protection-of-official-data/

 

[extra dry]

https://lm.facebook.com/l.php?u=htt...9mg8TMCo1s8L7kejG7vBlhy8g9NKYupdS4NiyJpxw&s=1 same info here.