The DSMA-notices are voluntary guidelines. The diversity of the British media (including some small organisations which have never followed DSMA-notice guidance) means that the system has never been wholly effective. It is an imperfect system.
The mainstream media is generally committed to the DSMA-notice system and maintains a significant digital presence and readership. Importantly, it also enjoys high levels of trust and credibility.
Digital and social media have produced important new challenges to the system. Some digital publications enjoy the same levels of trust and credibility enjoyed by the mainstream media. Others do not.
At present, the system can and does work to prevent damage to national security and reduce the risk to people’s lives. Nevertheless, the DSMA Committee is well aware of the need to embrace the (relatively) new digital organisations and platforms and is taking steps to reach out to them.