In the US OpenTheGovernment.org has released its 2007 Secrecy Report Card providing statistics under a variety of headings to show that while there has been some improvement in interest in openness and accountability, as demonstrated by Congressional initiatives, in other respects, government secrecy across a broad array of government agencies has continued to expand.
It says something about the US, that statistics of this kind are readily accessible, and advocates of greater openness can draw on them to publish a report of this nature.
The US also deserves a tick for its support of Freedom of Information laws around the world. This release by the State Department, in support of International Right to Know Day on 28 September, shows that the US Government is prepared to give prominent critics of the current state of things in the US, a platform to espouse the benefits of FOI.
This blog takes an interest in issues associated with Freedom of Information (FOI) and privacy legislation in Australia. Information contained on this site is general in nature and does not constitute legal advice. Follow Peter Timmins on Twitter: @foiguru Follow the open government cause through the Australian Open Government Partnership Network. www.opengovernment.org.au and @opengovau
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