The World's Right to Know: Citizen's Access to Government Information

During the last decade, six countries have enacted new legislation giving their citizens access to government information and 26 countries enacted formal statutes guaranteeing their citizens will continue to enjoy that freedom. The concept of freedom of information is evolving from a moral indictment of secrecy to a tool for market regulation, more efficient government, and economic and technological growth. However, in the months following September 11th, troubling signs emerged that governments might be shutting the door on the Decade of Openness. Will this trend continue? What does this mean internationally? Are the limitations necessary? Please join us as Thomas Blanton discusses these issues.

Participants

• Thomas Blanton
  Director, National Security Archive,
  George Washington University