Enlarge (credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

His name is now scribbled all over the Web, and the ex-MI6 man who is alleged to have compiled a dossier containing unsubstantiated and lurid claims about US president-elect Donald Trump is reportedly in hiding.

However, despite the details being readily available online, the UK’s ministry of defence—following a long-standing practice—politely requested the British press to carefully consider the potential consequences of disclosing the individual’s name. In a letter to editors and publishers, retired RAF air vice-marshal Andrew Vallance, who holds the post of defence and security media advisory secretariat, said on Wednesday:

In view of media stories alleging that a former SIS [secret intelligence service; MI6] officer was the source of the information which allegedly compromises president-elect Donald Trump, would you and your journalists please seek my advice before making public that name.

The guidance was given through fear that revealing the identity of the ex-MI6 man “could assist terrorist or other hostile organisations.” Nonetheless, the BBC and other major British news organisations have disclosed details of the individual, whose name and current directorship at a London-based private security firm was initially published in the US press and heavily shared on social media.