Originally Posted by
Dave_C
Technically I don't believe you actually sign the act, just a declaration.
I recall signing a document to the effect that I had seen and understood some key parts of the Official Secrets Act.
As a Parliamentary Statute, everyone in the UK is bound by the Official Secrets Act, signature or otherwise. Therefore the legal effect of signing it is a lot weaker than is popularly believed. However, I presume it is thought a good way to hammer home the seriousness of breaking it to those who might be in a position to; as well as weakening any defence to any prosecution, dismissal from employment or similar.