How does the UK interfere with Article 10?

Question 1

What is the purpose of the Official Secrets Act 1911?

Answer 1

Sets out the offences related to spying and sabotage, which would damage the protection of information.

Question 2

What is the purpose of the Official Secrets Act 1989?

Answer 2

Provides an offence for unlawful disclosure of information by those who have been employed by intelligence services, defence and international relations.

Question 3

What is the purpose of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998?

Answer 3

• To protect whistleblowers in the UK who disclose malpractice providing thei information meets certain criteria.
• Does not apply to those working for security and intelligence services, due to the Official Secrets Act.

Question 4

What is the purpose of the Defamation Act 2013?

Answer 4

• Gives defences to a defamation claim, so that those who publish such stories are able to have their expression protected.

Question 5

What are the defences in the Defamation Act 2013?

Answer 5

• Truth.
• Honest opinion.
• Public interest.
• Internet defences.
• Privilege.

Question 6

What criminal offences are included in the Serious Crimes Act 2015?

Answer 6

• The offence of sending grossly offensive or indecent material.
• Posting or using electronic communications to publish offensive content.
• Communicating in a manner which is meant to cause offence or anxiety.

Question 7

How does the Obscene Publications Act 1959/1964 describe an ‘obscene publication’?

Answer 7

A publication which tends to deprave, corrupt people who read or hear it.

Question 8

What is the purpose of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988?

Answer 8

Prevents people from publishing items which infringe copyright.