The Signalgate problem nobody is talking about
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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Prepublication review can’t improve while overclassification surges
It’s too hard for former officials to write about their work. A new directive tries to help, but it won’t solve the real problem: The government thinks too many things are secret
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Government hides its best hurricane predictions
It’s hurricane season, but the government is placing ‘trade secrets’ above public safety
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Declassify RT records so the public can vet administration's claims
Letting the public see the actual documents would strengthen Biden administration's declassification efforts
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FPF talks government secrecy and national security reporting
Interview with first Ellsberg Chair Lauren Harper highlights overclassification, whistleblowers, and national security reporting
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Biden should declassify Senate report on CIA torture program
Release would help counter growing evidence that the agency has become too powerful for oversight
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NY law will needlessly delay release of public records
Requirement to notify government employees when their disciplinary records are requested is about secrecy, not privacy
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New bipartisan Senate bill seeks to reduce overclassification
A World War I-era document containing a secret ink recipe that the CIA deemed worthy of classification for nearly 100 years
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Gag rules stifle financial journalism
The government cannot silence its critics to save itself from embarrassment
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Copyright and public records don’t mix
A new court decision using copyright law to deny release of public records from the Covenant School shooting investigation harms the public’s right to know
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Revisiting the undercover Alito recording, post-Trump v. United States
The secret taping, condemned by journalistic ethicists, is actually a prime example of when surreptitious reporting is justified
