How did The Telegraph get hold of MPs expenses?
Disc containing files about expenses stolen. Passed to a third party who came forward yesterday. Passed to the Telegraph. Law says that while the theft itself is illegal and the one who did it can be charged if caught (the police are currently investigating that aspect of the fiasco) once the information is passed to a news agency that group can publish the information if it’s in the public interest. This is why wikileaks and similar sites are allowed to continue as they don’t actually steal, they are simply regarded as news organisations and as such can publish information that they receive. In summary, the man or woman who stole the information initially could be charged if caught; however the third party and the Telegraph are immune from prosecution as long as they stick to the codes of conduct.
