FAS

Military Censorship of Photographs in World War I

11.04.09 | 1 min read | Text by Steven Aftergood

During the course of World War I, tens of thousands of photographs were withheld from publication by the U.S. military.  These included images that might have revealed troop movements or military capabilities, pictures that were liable to be used in enemy propaganda, or those that could adversely affect military or public morale.

The development of military controls on publication of photographs during WWI was described in a 1926 U.S. Army report (large pdf) that is illustrated with dozens of images that had been withheld, with a description of the reasons their publication was not permitted.

See “The Military Censorship of Pictures:  Photographs that came under the ban during the World War – and why” by Lt. Col. Kendall Banning, U.S. Army Signal Reserve Corps, 1926 (courtesy of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Center).

publications
See all publications
Emerging Technology
Blog
Translating Vision into Action: FAS Commentary on the NSCEB Final Report and the Future of U.S. Biotechnology

Advancing the U.S. leadership in emerging biotechnology is a strategic imperative, one that will shape regional development within the U.S., economic competitiveness abroad, and our national security for decades to come.

06.27.25 | 15 min read
read more
Emerging Technology
day one project
Policy Memo
Measuring and Standardizing AI’s Energy and Environmental Footprint to Accurately Access Impacts

Inconsistent metrics and opaque reporting make future AI power‑demand estimates extremely uncertain, leaving grid planners in the dark and climate targets on the line

06.27.25 | 15 min read
read more
Clean Energy
day one project
Policy Memo
Speed Grid Connection Using ‘Smart AI Fast Lanes’ and Competitive Prizes

Federal and state governments need to ensure that the development of new AI and data center infrastructure does not increase costs for consumers, impact the environment, and exacerbate existing inequalities.

06.27.25 | 10 min read
read more
Emerging Technology
day one project
Policy Memo
A Holistic Framework for Measuring and Reporting AI’s Impacts to Build Public Trust and Advance AI 

As AI becomes more capable and integrated throughout the United States economy, its growing demand for energy, water, land, and raw materials is driving significant economic and environmental costs, from increased air pollution to higher costs for ratepayers.

06.26.25 | 15 min read
read more