On June 15, 1917, during World War I, the United States Congress passed the Espionage Act. This act made it a crime to convey information with intent to interfere with the U.S. armed forces’ operations or to promote the success of the country’s enemies. Designed to prevent support of U.S. enemies during wartime, the Espionage Act has been a source of controversy, particularly regarding its implications for free speech and the press. It has been used to prosecute a variety of figures, from political activists to whistleblowers, and remains a significant piece of legislation in the context of national security and civil liberties.
