Guidelines

11.4.19

The Official Secrets Act affects our ability to report on some matters relating to security and intelligence issues.  Content producers should consult Programme Legal Advice when handling material that falls, or might fall, within its terms.

11.4.20

Defence Advisory Notices provide guidance about defence and counter-terrorist information which if broadcast might damage national security.  They cover the publication of material including highly classified codes and ciphers, information not widely in the public domain about key military facilities and installations and information relating to UK Security and Intelligence Services and Special Forces.

The standing Defence Advisory Notices can be read on the DA Notice System website.

The system is voluntary, it has no legal authority and the final responsibility for deciding whether or not to broadcast rests solely with us.  Content producers should seek senior editorial and legal advice at an early stage when handling material that falls, or might fall, under the Notices.  Director Editorial Policy and Standards must be informed of any approach from the Secretary to the Defence Advisory Notice Committee.

(Note: Sometimes also referred to by its former name of the D-Notice Committee)

11.4.21

There is a legal obligation under the Terrorism Acts to disclose to the police, as soon as reasonably practicable, any information which we know or believe might be of material assistance in:

• preventing the commission of an act of terrorism anywhere in the world
• securing the apprehension, prosecution or conviction of a person in the UK, for an offence involving the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism.

It is a criminal offence not to disclose such information.  Any situation where BBC staff or anyone else engaged in content production for the BBC may have obligations under the Terrorism Acts must be referred in good time to Director Editorial Policy and Standards and to Programme Legal Advice.

The Acts also outlaw certain national and international organisations described as 'terrorist' groups, making it illegal for them to operate in the UK.  An up-to-date list of the proscribed organisations is maintained on the Home Office website.  Any proposal to approach one of these organisations (including an individual member of the organisation), or any other individual or organisation responsible for acts of terror, to participate in our output must be referred in advance to Director Editorial Policy and Standards.