UK Crackdown on Troops' Freedom of Expression

MoD issues gag order on armed forces
http://www.guardian.co.uk/frontpage/...145929,00.html

Under New Rules: No Blogging, Texting, Chat Rooms, Gaming W/out Permission

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The UK Ministry of Defense is cracking down on British troops' ability to communicate with the public, with new guidelines barring them from a host of activities, including blogging.

According to the report in The Guardian, the new regulations would bar soldiers, sailors and airforce personnel from blogging, taking part in surveys, speaking in public, posting on message boards, playing in multi-player computer games or sending text messages or photographs without a superior's permission if the activities involved issues relating to military endeavors.

The order also bars them from releasing video, audio, or still pictures, stating that "all such communication must help to maintain and, where possible, enhance the reputation of defence."

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