Do You Know About Official Secrets Acts?
Keep your voice down, we are dealing with government secrets and espionage here. How much do you know about different governments' Official Secrets Acts? Hush. . .
- 1.
How many countries currently have an act with the exact name: Official Secrets Act?
- A.
3
- B.
5
- C.
8
- D.
15
Correct Answer
B. 5Explanation
it would be 6, but Hong Kong's is an ordinance, not an ActRate this question:
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- 2.
What is the main purpose of the Official Secrets Act in Great Britain?
- A.
Punishes the act of lying under oath in British courts
- B.
Outlines consequences for working with 2 competing businesses at the same time
- C.
Prohibits the disclosure of sensitive government information to a third party
- D.
Punishes abandonment and treason within the military
Correct Answer
C. Prohibits the disclosure of sensitive government information to a third partyExplanation
The main purpose of the Official Secrets Act in Great Britain is to prohibit the disclosure of sensitive government information to a third party. This act aims to protect national security and ensure that classified information remains confidential. It establishes consequences for individuals who leak or share such information, helping to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of government operations.Rate this question:
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- 3.
What year is Britain's most recent Official Secrets Act?
- A.
1889
- B.
1911
- C.
1936
- D.
1989
Correct Answer
D. 1989Explanation
The most recent Official Secrets Act in Britain was passed in 1989. This act is a piece of legislation that deals with the protection of state secrets and classified information. It outlines the legal framework for prosecuting individuals who leak or disclose sensitive information that could potentially harm national security. The act was updated in 1989 to address the changing nature of security threats and advancements in technology. This ensures that the legislation remains relevant and effective in safeguarding sensitive information in modern times.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What is the punishment for breaking Malaysia's OSA of 1972?
- A.
Various fines
- B.
6 months jail and 6 months probation
- C.
1 to 7 years in prision
- D.
Life in prison
Correct Answer
C. 1 to 7 years in prisionExplanation
The punishment for breaking Malaysia's OSA of 1972 is 1 to 7 years in prison. This indicates that individuals who violate the Official Secrets Act can face a significant period of incarceration as a consequence of their actions.Rate this question:
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- 5.
What is strange about the Republic of Ireland's Official Secrets Act?
- A.
The trial takes place completely in the public eye
- B.
The trial proceedings occur in private
- C.
It only applies to civil servents
- D.
A suit my by instigated by anyone
Correct Answer
B. The trial proceedings occur in privateExplanation
The strange aspect of the Republic of Ireland's Official Secrets Act is that the trial proceedings occur in private. This means that the details and evidence presented during the trial are not made public, which is unusual considering that trials are typically open to the public in most legal systems. This lack of transparency can raise concerns about accountability and fairness in the legal process.Rate this question:
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- 6.
When did New Zealand ditch their Official Secrets Act?
- A.
1899
- B.
1951
- C.
1977
- D.
1982
Correct Answer
D. 1982Explanation
In 1982, New Zealand ditched their Official Secrets Act. This suggests that prior to this year, the country had a law in place that protected official secrets. The decision to abandon this act may have been driven by a desire for increased transparency and openness in government affairs. It is likely that this change in legislation allowed for greater access to information and reduced restrictions on the dissemination of official secrets in New Zealand.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which country has a Security of Information Act?
- A.
Hong Kong
- B.
Canada
- C.
New Zealand
- D.
United States
Correct Answer
B. CanadaExplanation
Canada ditched the OSA in 2001 and wrote a new security act.Rate this question:
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- 8.
How many convictions happened under Canada's old Official Secrets Act?
- A.
22
- B.
32
- C.
42
- D.
52
Correct Answer
A. 22Explanation
The correct answer is 22. This means that there were 22 convictions under Canada's old Official Secrets Act.Rate this question:
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- 9.
What name is given to the Official Secrets Act in the US?
- A.
Official Information Act
- B.
Official Secrets Ordinance
- C.
Espionage Act
- D.
Security of Information Act
Correct Answer
C. Espionage ActExplanation
The Espionage Act is the correct answer because it is the name given to the Official Secrets Act in the US. The Espionage Act is a federal law that was enacted in 1917 and it criminalizes the sharing of information that could be used to harm the national security of the United States. The act is primarily concerned with espionage and unauthorized disclosure of classified information. It has been used to prosecute individuals who have leaked sensitive information or engaged in espionage activities.Rate this question:
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- 10.
What is the main criticism of Official Secrets Acts?
- A.
Judges are bias on the cases
- B.
They are only applicable in wartime
- C.
They threaten journalists, whistleblowers and anti-war activists
- D.
The vague language allows convicts off the hook
Correct Answer
C. They threaten journalists, whistleblowers and anti-war activistsExplanation
The main criticism of Official Secrets Acts is that they threaten journalists, whistleblowers, and anti-war activists. These acts are seen as a threat because they can be used to silence individuals who expose government wrongdoing or reveal classified information. By criminalizing the disclosure of certain information, these acts can discourage transparency and hinder the ability of journalists and activists to hold those in power accountable.Rate this question:
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Mar 21, 2023Quiz Edited by
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May 22, 2018Quiz Created by
Lindsay Kottwitz
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