States Pass Thousands of Info Restriction Laws

nebaz writes "The AP has published an article analyzing over 1000 laws passed by state legislatures since 9/11, and discovered a disturbing trend. More and more information is being made unavailable to the public. Some of this information may seem reasonable, dealing with national security and all, but there are other things, such as safety plans at schools, medication errors at nursing homes, and disciplinary actions against state employees, that are becoming restricted." From the article: "In statehouse battles, the issue has pitted advocates of government openness - including journalists and civil liberties groups - against lawmakers and others who worry that public information could be misused, whether it's by terrorists or by computer hackers hoping to use your credit cards. Security concerns typically won out."

Comments

you are so right

[acvh]

limiting access to information had nothing to do with security and everything to do with protecting politicians and their contributors. here in NJ a bill has been introduced to restrict the public's access to property tax info, while making it easier for realtors to get it. introduced by, you guessed it, a realtor masquerading as a legislator.

Re:1983?

[quanticle]

Hear that? That was the sound of the grandparent's point sailing above your head.

He's mentioned 1983 deliberately, because, while things aren't as bad as 1984 yet they're on their way to becoming that way.