Information Lockdown

Apparently that's the official terminology for how an executive agency attempts to limit the damage that bad news can cause were it to get out. First step: Make sure it dosn't get out. Make sure the media doesn't get a hold of the story.

Here's the opening paragraph from today's NYT story on the on going story of the aftermath of Pat Tillman's death in Afghanistan from friendly fire:

Within hours of Cpl. Pat Tillman’s death, the Army was engaged in an information lockdown. Phone and Internet connections were cut off at a base in Afghanistan. Guards
were posted on a wounded platoon mate of his. A captain ordered a noncommissioned officer to burn Corporal Tillman’s uniform.