Armed forces given gagging order

Soldiers, sailors and air force members will be prevented from blogging, taking part in surveys, speaking in public or posting on bulletin boards, according to The Guardian.

They will also be barred from playing multi-player computer games and sending text messages, photographs and audio or video material without permission if they relate to defence matters.

The guidelines declare "all such communication must help to maintain and, where possible, enhance the reputation of defence", the newspaper reported.

The new policy follows the row earlier this year sparked by two members of the Royal Navy who sold their stories to the media after being held captive in Iran.

Receiving money for interviews, conferences and books which draw on official defence experience has now been formally banned.

The rules apparently also apply to Territorial Army members and cadets when they are on duty, as well as to civil servants working for the MoD.

A spokeswoman for the MoD said the rules were not new, but had just been updated to include details about receiving payment from the media and about the internet.

But angry service personnel immediately used online forums to talk about their incredulity and confusion about the clampdown.

One, named ViroBono, quoted the title of the MoD's update on "rules on communicating with the public and the media" before writing: "Surely 'NOT communicating', since this is the clear intent."