The new federal website for Freedom of Information Act requests mandated by Congress in 2017 is a gigantic improvement over the previous FOIA.gov, but the upgrade won't fix all that ails that nation's canonical transparency law as Sunshine Week dawns.
Continue readingNew analyses find a secretive EPA is hampering the public’s rights to know
Independent analyses of federal data show that there has been a significant increase in public records lawsuits against the Environmental... View Article
Continue readingFacebook’s opacity in Seattle shows why self-regulation on digital disclosure isn’t enough
The public should be able to easily see the source of campaign ads though disclaimers and online disclosures, no matter where we live or what network, platform or device we view them on, so that we can understand who is seeking to influence our elections. Transparency is a necessary but insufficient measure to detect and deter influence, whatever city or state people live in.
Continue readingUnder Trump, U.S. government moves from /open to /closed
What happens when an administration hands off unfulfilled promises to open government to one that's allergic to transparency? Benign neglect shifts into secrecy and a lack of accountability.
Continue reading6 Ways to Free the Freedom of Information Act
In its first meeting of 2018, the federal Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Advisory Committee unanimously voted to approve a series of recommendations. If implemented, they would improve transparency, accountability and efficiency in administering the nation's preeminent public records law at federal government agencies. Bonus news: a new FOIA.gov is coming soon.
Continue reading8 challenges for open government posed by emerging technology
Governments will confront fresh challenges posed by emerging technologies in 2018, making sense of how sunshine laws should adjust to novel context. Here are eight areas that the press, public and governments have asked us about in recent months, with thoughts about how lawmakers and regulators should adjust.
Continue readingIn its first year, the Trump administration has reduced public information online
Almost a year into the Trump presidency, we have seen are substantial public information removals and overhauls of federal webpages, documents, and entire websites, as well as significant shifts in language and messaging across the federal Web domain.
Continue readingCongressional ethics disclosures should include cryptocurrencies like bitcoin
It's incumbent on Congress to respond to a novel technological development and make it clear to all of its members that asset disclosure now includes cryptocurrencies.
Continue readingA voice for American democracy, today and tomorrow
This year was unlike any other, and Sunlight's work making government transparent and accountable is more important than ever.
Continue readingFederal judge says it is the role of Congress to address Trump’s emolumental issues
A federal judge has dismissed a foreign emoluments lawsuit against President Donald J. Trump, which alleged Constitutional violations through his businesses. The judge said the plaintiffs lacked standing, and that this should be resolved by Congress. We hope to see more oversight and accountability in DC in the New Year.
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