Responsible for the "DSMA Notice System" (formerly the DA Notice system and before that, the D-Notice System).

The DSMA Notice System aims to prevent the inadvertent public disclosure of information that would compromise UK military and intelligence operations and methods or put at risk the safety of those involved in such operations or lead to attacks that would damage the critical national infrastructure and/or endanger lives.

The DSMA Committee is a joint media and government body which is independent and voluntary. Its policy, guidance and decisions carry no legal obligation nor sanction. The final decision to publish or broadcast rests with the editors concerned.

Although not subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 or the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, the DSMA Committee is committed to practising a policy of maximum disclosure of its activities consistent with the effective conduct of business and the need to ensure that it honours any assurance of confidentiality given to the individuals and organisations with which it deals.

Formerly known as the Defence Press and Broadcasting Advisory Committee (DPBAC)