Online Journalism News

Israel censors news sites

Posted: 24/03/03 By: Caroline White

Email this story | Comments

Israel's News and Media Censorship Office has warned all online publishers not to print any home security details during the war on Iraq.

In what is thought to be a first, Israel's chief military censor has apparently written a letter telling web magazine Scoops Forum that it must not publish any details of missile landing locations, missile types, any cabinet discussions relating to the war, or any information on Israeli army operations in any sector.

Ironically, web publishers can circumvent all attempts at monitoring by using secure services - such as anonymizer.com - to publish sites through servers in other countries.

Brigadier General Rachel Dolev's letter said: "Given the current security situation, you are reminded that it is required to submit [for the Censor's review] all materials that could pose a threat to the security of the State of Israel and its residents.

"Censors will be working 24 hours a day in the two media centers in the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem, and in the David Intercontinental in Tel Aviv."

Sources:
http://www.fas.org/sgp/news/2003/03/is031903.html
http://www.anonymizer.com

Got a story? Email our news team: Laura Oliver; Judith Townend or telephone +44 (0)1273 384290. You can also follow us on Twitter: @journalismnews / @LauraOliver / @JTownend.