In the context of secrecy laws, it may permit a whistleblower to disclose government misconduct.
In the context of journalism, publication of a story that the journalist reasonably believes to be true "having regard for all the circumstances", even if subsequently found to be untrue, is protected against action for defamation in UK law.
The inclusion of the defence was a subject of debate in the legislative process of the Official Secrets Act 1989 of the United Kingdom.
[2] Canada has reformed its secrecy laws in 2001 by adding the defence in its Security of Information Act.
However, its application is limited to situations in which the defendant has followed a series of steps set out in the legislation before making the disclosure, and the person's purpose in making the disclosure is to reveal an offence committed by another person in their official duties.