The public has the right to know about information collected, disseminated and maintained by the government in order to increase accountability and public awareness. CDT believes that the Internet is an ideal medium for gaining greater public access to government information.
CDT: Commission Needed to Explore Revamping Privacy Act - The Privacy Act of 1974 is in need of improvements to ensure its relevance into the future, CDT Deputy Director Ari Schwartz said in testimony before a congressional panel today. The Act’s limitations are particularly apparent with regard to government use of commercially compiled personal information, Schwartz told the Information Policy, Census, and National Archives Subcommittee. Commercial information plays a key role in important government functions, like law enforcement and national security. However, agencies relying on that data should have clear guidelines on its use. The role Privacy Impact Assessments play in protecting privacy is essential. Two bills help bolster PIAs: S.2341 lays out "best practices" guidelines and HR 4791 requires PIAs for government use of commercial databases. CDT believes Congress should create a Commission to review the Act and suggest possible reforms. March 11, 2008
Share this articleEasy, Timely, Public Access to CRS Reports Urged - Efforts to make Congressional Research Service (CRS) reports more accessible to the public received another boost today from Sen. Joe Lieberman, (ID-Conn.), who asked that a complete system be crafted that is readily accessible to the public. Currently, making the reports public is a time intensive task handled by congressional staff. Lieberman's request went to Sen. Dianne Feinstein, (D-CA), head of the Senate Rules Committee, and follows his introduction of resolution S. Res 401, which also calls for greater public access to the reports. CDT supports Sen. Lieberman's request and calls on Congress and the CRS to develop a system as described in his letter. CDT's OpenCRS project provides public access to a portion of these taxpayer funded, unclassified reports that have been released by various members of Congress. February 28, 2008
Share this articleOpen Government Act Sent To President - The Open Government Act, which strengthens the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), has been passed by Congress and sent to the President. The Act will increase agency responsiveness to FOIA requests, impose deadlines on agencies, and ensure agencies keep FOIA requesters up to date on the status of their requests. The bill is intended to improve the accountability of executive branch agencies and improve government transparency. CDT supports the Open Government Act. December 19, 2007
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