Secrets — Official

The application of these laws often creates tension between state security and the public's right to know.

An "official secret" is any information held by a government body that is legally protected from unauthorized disclosure to safeguard national security or other critical state interests. While many countries use the framework, the United States relies on a combination of statutes like the Espionage Act to achieve similar ends. Core Legal Frameworks Official Secrets

Lacking a single broad "Official Secrets Act," the U.S. instead uses the Espionage Act of 1917 . This law prohibits the communication of "national defense" information to unauthorized persons, regardless of whether they are foreign spies or domestic journalists. The application of these laws often creates tension

Review: 'Official Secrets' Amps The Drama, Or Tries To - NPR Core Legal Frameworks Lacking a single broad "Official

The OSA (primarily the 1911 and 1989 Acts) criminalizes the disclosure of sensitive categories, including defense, international relations, and security. Historically, the 1911 Act was so broad it theoretically covered even the most "innocuous" government information.

Over 40 nations, including India, Singapore, and Kenya, maintain OSAs largely modeled after the original British colonial-era laws. Notable Cases and Whistleblowers