When privacy trumps access, democracy is in trouble

Article Abstract:

The legislative trend toward increased protection of public records containing information on individuals will have a deleterious effect on democratic institutions if allowances are not made for media access. Surveys demonstrate that many Americans oppose disclosure of personal information, and law-makers have responded by sealing many databases. This emphasis on privacy has the effect of protecting some government actors from oversight. The democracy could be harmed by protections that can reduce the government's accountability.

United States

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How big was that backlog, anyway?

Article Abstract:

Freedom of information requests by the media to the State Department are usually met with delays and complaints about backlogs. But when the media requested information about Bill Clinton's travels abroad in the 1960s, the State Department took on the requests with zealous cooperation. The department's response reveals the partisan attitude the Reagan and Bush administrations have had toward privacy, using it to deny access to their own records but more than willing to give access to other people's records.

Ethical aspects, United States. Department of State

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Officials probe fast action on FOI request

Article Abstract:

US State Department assistant secretary for consular affairs Elizabeth Tamposi's investigation of Bill Clinton's files during the presidential campaign led to her being fired. Policy regarding Freedom of Information Act requests is usually on a first-come basis and response is known to be slow, but Tamposi expedited the Clinton requests because of the campaign. The State and Justice Departments are investigating to see if Tamposi violated the Privacy Act.

Political corruption

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