DSMA: The "imperfect" system that keeps the UK safe
Miriam Barker
His name may not ring any bells but Brigadier Geoffrey Dodds OBE has a massive responsibility.
As Secretary of the Defence and Security Media, Brigadier Dodds’ main duty is to prevent inadvertent public disclosure of information that would compromise UK military and intelligence operations and methods, or put at risk the safety of those involved, leading to attacks on critical national infrastructure and loss of life.
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Brigadier Geoffrey Dodds OBE, secretary of the DSMA Committee, says imbalance of digital-only media organisations to traditional print media needs to be redressed as currently on the committee of 23, only 2 members represent online-only outlets.
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The Committee meets twice a year to discuss matters relating to what consists of a breach of national security.
Most of the rulings the DSMA make are the result of media organisations checking their own stories before publication, however on occasion government departments will ask the secretary to send out a DSMA notice.
There are five separate DMSA notices, which range from protecting military personnel to safeguarding essential British infrastructure.
The committee consists of 23 members from both the media and government, this mixture is to ensure there is a mutual dialogue.
Advice given to media on national security must catch
up with online landcape
Advice given to journalists on matters of national security must be updated to cater more to online-only news outlets.
The Defence and Security Media Advisory committee, that advises news outlets on matters they should not report on due to national security concerns, needs to expand to include more editors of news outlets that do not have a print media presence.
Jack Grey
