Transparency, accountability, open government ordered by President Obama
Posted by Jacque on January 22nd, 2009
Several key memos and an Executive Order were issued the first day of the new administration, signaling change to a more open, transparent government, reports the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF).
A memorandum (PDF) from the President orders federal agencies to “adopt a presumption in favor of disclosure” in response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request, “to renew their commitment to the principles embodied in FOIA, and to usher in a new era of open Government.”
This is in direct contrast to a controversial memo issued by John Ashcroft in the wake of 9/11, ordering agencies to disclose information only after considering all possible reasons to withhold it. Agencies were assured then that government lawyers would defend their decisions in court unless they had no “sound legal basis.” Many open government advocates believe Ashcroft’s policy effectively gutted the FOIA over the past several years.
A new executive order (PDF) was issued that reverses changes made in recent years to the Presidential Records Act, while a second memorandum (PDF) sets out the Administration’s general policy on transparency and open government.
For instance, the latter memorandum states,
My Administration is committed to creating an unprecedented level of openness in Government. We will work together to ensure the public trust and establish a system of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. Openness will strengthen our democracy and promote efficiency and effectiveness in Government.
Image by Corey Holms. Creative Commons license.
