Transparency and Privacy: A vision for a new digital democracy
Transparency advocates and privacy advocates live on different planets. Both advocate for the common good, but at first glance their outlooks appear diametrically opposed. Broadly speaking, government transparency advocates want to see what the government is doing, either to improve its operations or limit its power. Privacy advocates focus on keeping personal information private unless voluntary, knowing consent is given. They believe government must be kept on a tight leash because of its power to demand, use, and disseminate personal information.
The tension between transparency and private advocates covers a wide range of activities. It is evident in laws comprising the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), for example. FOIA requires federal agencies to release information to the public upon demand except in certain circumstances. Among the exemptions from disclosure is when a request concerns information that constitutes a personnel, medic