But the situation highlights differing transatlantic ideas about the relationship between intelligence agencies and media outlets. The Times story, in particular, caused anger in some quarters of the British media world. Whereas the First Amendment officially protects the American press, British journalists have more tenuous legal protection. For decades, Britain's intelligence agencies have issued official requests asking media outlets to not publish certain details for reasons of national security. But in an increasingly global media landscape, Britain's system of tight-lipped intelligence agencies and understanding journalists has begun to look ineffectual.

Source: Washington Post May 26, 2017 04:52 UTC