Lacking a single broad "Official Secrets Act," the U.S. instead uses the Espionage Act of 1917 . This law prohibits the communication of "national defense" information to unauthorized persons, regardless of whether they are foreign spies or domestic journalists.
An "official secret" is any information held by a government body that is legally protected from unauthorized disclosure to safeguard national security or other critical state interests. While many countries use the framework, the United States relies on a combination of statutes like the Espionage Act to achieve similar ends. Core Legal Frameworks Official Secrets
Review: 'Official Secrets' Amps The Drama, Or Tries To - NPR Lacking a single broad "Official Secrets Act," the U