Government Secrets and the Push for Transparency
Sweden passed the world's first freedom of information law in 1766. Today, international organizations like the Open Government Partnership promote global transparency, arguing that open access to information reduces corruption and increases trust in democratic institutions.
The vault of classification
When the truth leaks out
Cold War cover-ups and conspiracies
The delicate balance of democracy
dennis Executive privilege allows presidents to keep certain communications secret from Congress and courts.
Oldest secret: In 2011, the CIA finally declassified World War I documents from 1917 detailing secret invisible ink formulas used by spies.
dennis Whistleblower protection laws are designed to shield employees who expose government wrongdoing.
The state of being kept hidden or secret. In 1972, the Nixon administration used executive authority to hide the Watergate burglary.
What 1917 US law is often used to prosecute whistleblowers who leak classified information?
dennis Sort official propaganda from classified leaks to discover the truth behind government secrets.
What is the primary purpose of the international coalition known as the Open Government Partnership?
What is the name of the US office that monitors the costs and administration of government classification?
Which US President was the first to assert the concept of executive privilege in 1796?
Which US Supreme Court case ruled that executive privilege is not absolute during a criminal trial?