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
Government Capacity
day one project
Policy Memo
Elevate and Strengthen the Presidential Management Fellows Program

The challenges facing our country require a robust pipeline of talented and representative rising leaders across federal agencies. The Presidential Management Fellows program has historically been a leading source of such talent. 

12.12.24 | 7 min read
read more
Emerging Technology
day one project
Policy Memo
A Quantitative Imaging Infrastructure to Revolutionize AI-Enabled Precision Medicine

In the nascent yet exponentially expanding world of AI in medical imaging, a well-defined standards and metrology framework is required to establish robust imaging datasets for true precision medicine, thereby improving patient outcomes and reducing spiraling healthcare costs.

12.12.24 | 9 min read
read more
Education & Workforce
day one project
Policy Memo
Work-based Learning for All: Aligning K-12 Education and the Workplace for both Students and Teachers

The incoming presidential administration of 2025 should champion a policy position calling for strengthening of the connection between K-12 schools and community workplaces.

12.11.24 | 13 min read
read more
Global Risk
day one project
Policy Memo
Pursuing A Missile Pre-Launch Notification Agreement with China as a Risk Reduction Measure

With tensions and aggressive rhetoric on the rise, the next administration needs to prioritize and reaffirm the necessity of regular communication with China on military and nuclear weapons issues to reduce the risk of misunderstandings.

12.11.24 | 7 min read
read more