A media blackout system to stop lives being put at risk has been relaunched amid a growing focus on counter-terrorism and intelligence.

The long-standing DA-notice process that warns newspapers and broadcasters not to publish material which could jeopardise national security has become the Defence and Security Media Advisory (DSMA) system.

It comes after an increase in the number of cases relating to sensitive information about national intelligence rather than defence. Around 40% of the issues dealt with over the last 18 months were about security.

The changes follow a review of the process, most widely known as the D-notice system, by academics and leading industry figures.

Concerns had been raised that the advice given to the media would become compulsory but the role of the system remains unchanged.

The committee overseeing the process, which includes representatives from government and the industry, will be expanded to include figures from digital media.