The Espionage Act

The Espionage Act, enacted in 1917, is a U.S. federal law that prohibits obtaining, sharing, or transmitting sensitive government information that could harm national security or aid enemy efforts. It was originally designed to prevent espionage during wartime but has since been used to address leaks of classified information and activities perceived as threats to government interests. The law includes penalties for unauthorized disclosures of military or national defense secrets, emphasizing the protection of state secrets while raising ongoing debates about the balance between security and free speech rights.