Responsible for the "DA-Notices System". The DA-Notice System is a means of providing advice and guidance to the media about defence and counter-terrorist information the publication of which would be damaging to national security. The system is voluntary, it has no legal authority and the final responsibility for deciding whether or not to publish rests solely with the editor or publisher concerned.

"Although not subject to the Freedom of Information Act 2000 or the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act of 2002, the DSMA is committed to practising a policy of maximum disclosure of its activities consistent with the effective conduct of its 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)