The U.S. classifies far too many secrets, obstructing democracy.
Excessive government secrecy takes many forms, from agencies needlessly claiming documents are classified to ignoring information requests and destroying records — even when the documents show government fraud or illegal conduct. This hinders a free press, effective oversight, and the public’s ability to self govern.
We need to fight for systemic improvements, and we need the press to vigorously question the government every time it says something is classified.
Featured Items
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Police use victims’ rights law to hide from scrutiny
Journalists and the public need to know officers’ identities to hold them accountable for their official actions
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Police dodge journalists by encrypting radio
The NYPD is the latest force to join this anti-transparency trend
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Honoring Daniel Ellsberg’s legacy: A $1 million donation to tackle government secrecy
Jack Dorsey’s #startsmall backs efforts to reform the government secrecy system, while honoring the late Daniel Ellsberg
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Dozens of civil society groups oppose congressional censorship law
Dozens of civil society and press freedom organizations have opposed a new proposal that would allow members of Congress to compel online censorship of certain information
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Secret science laws limit access to research records
Denying the press and public access to records isn’t the right way to protect academic freedom
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In honor of a whistleblowing legend: Announcing the Daniel Ellsberg Chair on Government Secrecy
We will honor our friend by fighting for what he fought for his entire life: an end to excessive government secrecy.
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Copyright abuses preview a world without Section 230
Congress should not encourage censorship whenever someone baselessly alleges defamation
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Congress: Don’t let jet owners cover their tracks on the taxpayer dime
Protect press and public access to private jet flight data
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Unconstitutional gag order creates mass confusion in Idaho
Order restrains news reporting while failing to advance fair trial rights
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Government is at its most innovative when ducking transparency
Agencies are increasingly emboldened to preempt records requests with closure rules