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Official Secrets Act - Review.

Sentencing is set to be increased for those found guilty of leaking classified information.

The move follows a request for the Law Commission to review the Act to see if it is effective in the modern world.

With the Acts under question coming into force first in 1911 during the run up to the First World War, 1920 and 1939 it seems a review is perhaps a little overdue.
The Acts protect the Government and country from the harm caused by the disclosure of information, be it in international relations, security or financial.
The review has proposed that the Law covers non UK citizens.

Official Secrets Act - Review.

The Law Commission has proposed that the revised Law should

- Give greater clarity to offences under the Act.
- Increased prison sentencing
- Highlighting the impact of divulging information.

The Law Commission consult with organisations concerned with Human Rights, Media and Technology Organisations as well as Legal Experts and Governments.
They would welcome your views as well.

The review is in consultation stage until 3rd April 2018- if you would like to comment on the Act you can do so via
The Law Commision
http://www.lawcom.gov.uk/official-secrets-acts-reviewed-to-meet-the-challenges-of-the-21st-century/

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