Merriam-Webster defines transparent as having the property of transmitting light without appreciable scattering so that bodies lying beyond are seen clearly. Does government transparency follow suit? Taking in consideration the definition given, or using clear as a synonym to transparent, it can be argued that it does not.
The irrational rationality behind technology as a solution to technological problems, when talking about Freedom of Information request, cannot go unnoticed. In the past, there were two ways to communicate information: handwritten or verbal, either in person or a phone call. Today, there are many more ways of
In 2009, the Obama administration entered the White House and called for a more open and transparent government. They sought sweeping initiatives that planned to make information more easily accessible and set goals for streamlining the FOIA process. However, in the quest for a more open and transparent
The Virginia Press Association reported that the Virginia’s House of Delegates passed a bill that would order the Information Advisory Council to review all of Virginia’s Freedom of Information exemptions. Government Transparency is prevented in agencies that are exempted; currently Virginia has 172 exemptions from FOIA laws. Virginia’s FOIA
There was a time not too long ago when FOIA was done without the assistance of the modern technologies that currently drive many agencies and offices’ FOIA operations. With every new technology, a FOIA professional’s job may ultimately get easier or at least more efficient, but along with
Watchdog.org recently reported that Virginia Delegate Jim LeMunyon has filed a resolution that would charge Virginia’s Freedom of Information Advisory Council (which advises state officials and the public on FOIA-related issues) with reviewing each exemption and deciding which exemptions should be eliminated. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act currently has more
Over the past decade, technology has reshaped the FOIA industry, affecting everything from the format of documents to the means by which those documents are reviewed and where documents are stored. Adapting processes to utilize technological advancements has enabled FOIA compliant agencies and offices to decrease response times and increase
Ever since the Edward Snowden document leaks in June 2013, the National Security Administration (NSA) has been flooded by open records requests, an 888% increase from the past fiscal year. Edward Snowden leaked classified NSA documents to media outlets“This was the largest spike we’ve ever had,” said Pamela
This blog post begins a five part series on the relationship between technology and the FOIA. This series will examine the various ways that technology has redefined the FOIA process and will look into the future of FOIA processing as well. We will begin by comparing the old
Canada’s information commissioner, Suzanne Legault, has recommended in a special report to Parliament that the use of instant messaging between government employees is at risk of violating access to information laws. Her report investigated the use of wireless devices and instant messaging in 11 federal institutions. It found there
