The Terrorism Act 2000
We have a legal obligation under the Terrorism Act 2000 to disclose to the police, as soon as reasonably practicable, any information which we know or believe might be of material assistance in:
- preventing the commission of an act of terrorism anywhere in the world.
- securing the apprehension, prosecution or conviction of a person in the UK, for an offence involving the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism.
It is a criminal offence not to disclose such information, punishable by up to 5 years in prison. Any situation where BBC staff may be in potential breach of the Terrorism Act must be referred to Controller Editorial Policy and Programme Legal Advice.
The Act also outlaws certain national and international organisations described as "terrorist" groups, making it illegal for them to operate in the UK. Details of the list can be found at www.homeoffice.gov.uk/security/terrorism-and-the-law/terrorism-act/proscribed-groups.