Open data policies need to allocate appropriate funding for transitioning records systems from a paper era to a digital era.
Continue readingCivil society in Ukraine seizing the momentum for real reform
Ukrainian transparency watchdogs might be winning an important battle for more accountable politics as they try to reveal the size and sources of the funding, as well as the scope of spending in the presidential elections.
Continue readingIt’s time to improve access to influence data in California
Sometimes, hurdles along the path to transparency can come down to one thing: a lack of funding. That's why we've signed on to a letter asking California to allocate funding that would help improve access to influence data.
Continue readingSecret financing in Egyptian presidential elections
Next week, Egyptians are almost certain to elect as their new president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi. Unfortunately, Egypt’s current political finance regime is cloaked in darkness — and no one will be able to follow the money.
Continue readingGetting secrecy out of science
Last night, a congressional committee adopted an amendment that limits the NSA’s influence on NIST - the first step to getting the secrecy out of science.
Continue readingRep. Lofgren explains how secrecy undermines the USA Freedom Act and democratic process
The White House and other pro-surveillance advocates are relying on opaque negotiations that occurred behind closed doors in order to scuttle meaningful surveillance reform.
Continue readingMoney can’t buy you the NRA
Michael Bloomberg recently committed $50 million to a gun control effort to “outmuscle” the NRA. But Bloomberg is ignoring the fact that money alone won't buy you the NRA.
Continue readingLack of consistency generates lack of transparency in EU elections
Despite its growing powers, the European Parliament has done little in the past to create transparency around the financing of the elections.
Continue readingHyperlinks and hope: Data.gov five years out
Five years into the Obama administration’s experiment with Data.gov marks a good time to ask — is the experiment a success?
Continue readingWhat it takes to be a major player in policymaking
What makes an organization like AARP so influential on Capitol Hill? It takes more than lobbying and campaign contributions to have a voice in policymaking.
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