The Open Government Partnership is based on the idea that an open government is more accessible, more responsive, and more accountable to citizens, and that improving the relationship between people and their government has long-term, exponential benefits for everyone.

Government records—whether they’re emails, meeting minutes, contracts, or policy drafts—are the connective tissue between the people and their government. They’re not just dusty files in archives; they’re living documents that reveal how decisions are made, who benefits from them, and whether those decisions reflect the public’s best interests or someone’s backroom deal.

Transparency reduces corruption. According to Transparency International, countries with robust access to government information consistently rank lower in corruption indices. In Sweden, the Principle of Public Access has been enshrined in law since 1766, allowing citizens to review government documents freely, offering radical transparency. In U.S., the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is often more of a slow-motion obstacle course than a tool for public empowerment. Requests can take months—or years—to process, with documents heavily redacted, missing, or denied outright.

The lack of transparency isn’t just a bureaucratic nuisance; it’s a breeding ground for abuse. Consider the infamous Pentagon Papers, which exposed decades of government deception about the Vietnam War. Without whistleblowers and investigative journalists, that truth might have remained buried under layers of classified labels. Transparency prevents disasters fueled by unchecked power.

When people can see how decisions are made, they’re more likely to vote intelligently and hold leaders accountable. In Brazil, the Transparency Portal allows citizens to track government spending in real time, revealing everything from construction projects to travel expenses for public officials. This visibility engages the public in governance.

Yet transparency often faces fierce resistance, especially from those who benefit from secrecy. Governments love to invoke “national security” as a magic phrase that shuts down any request for information, even when it’s clearly about covering incompetence, misconduct, or embarrassing truths. After all, nothing says “we’re protecting freedom” quite like hiding what’s actually going on.

But the public’s right to know isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Democratic societies depend on informed citizens. When information is hoarded, distorted, or suppressed, democracy erodes. Just look at authoritarian regimes where controlling the narrative is the first step toward consolidating power. Transparency isn’t just a policy; it’s a defense mechanism
against tyranny.

Accountability mechanisms are key. Independent oversight bodies, whistleblower protections, and strong freedom of information laws ensure that transparency isn’t theoretical. The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office holds government agencies accountable for data transparency, issuing fines and public reprimands when they fail to comply.

Transparency is also about making records public accessible. Dumping a mountain of poorly organized, jargon-filled documents online isn’t transparency; it’s obfuscation. Governments can meet the letter of the law while violating its spirit, knowing that “available” isn’t the same as “understandable.”

Accessibility means clear language, searchable databases, and proactive disclosure. Instead of waiting for someone to ask, governments should default to openness, releasing information unless there’s a compelling, specific reason not to. Proactive transparency isn’t a burden; it’s a signal of integrity.

Transparency also fosters better decision-making. When policymakers know their actions will be scrutinized, they’re more likely to act responsibly. The sunlight of public oversight discourages shady deals, backroom negotiations, and conflicts of interest. Opaque systems tend to breed both incompetence and corruption that thrive in the dark.

But transparency must extend beyond government to the private sector, especially when corporations wield enormous influence over public policy. Corporate lobbying disclosures, campaign finance transparency, and open contracting practices are essential. In Canada, the Lobbying Act requires detailed reports on meetings between public officials and lobbyists, shedding light on who’s pulling the strings behind policy decisions.

Yet transparency isn’t without risks. Sensitive information—like personal data, security protocols, or details that could endanger lives—requires protection. Balancing openness with privacy and security is complex but not impossible. Clear guidelines, independent oversight, and public input help navigate these tensions.

Crisis situations highlight the importance of transparent communication. During the COVID-19 pandemic, countries that provided clear, timely information—like New Zealand—managed public health responses more effectively than those that relied on secrecy or mixed messages. Archival integrity is another frontier. History is written in records, and tampering with them distorts collective memory. Safeguarding historical documents, both physical and digital, ensures that future generations can learn from the past without state-sanctioned revisions. The fight against historical revisionism starts with preserving the raw materials of history.

Transparency is also a tool for social justice. Access to information empowers marginalized communities to fight discrimination, demand equal treatment, and hold power accountable. From police body camera footage to environmental impact reports, public records can be key to exposing systemic injustices.

Societies that prize openness tend to have healthier democracies, more resilient institutions, and stronger civic engagement. Building a culture of transparency requires leadership, advocacy, and a collective commitment to the idea that truth isn’t dangerous.

Therefore, under Folklaw:

Government records shall be transparent, accessible, and protected from manipulation. Public institutions must proactively disclose information, including budgets, contracts, meeting minutes, and policy documents, in clear, searchable formats.

Independent oversight bodies will ensure compliance with transparency laws, supported by robust whistleblower protections. Private entities influencing public policy will be subject to disclosure requirements.

Digital records will be safeguarded against tampering, with archival integrity maintained for historical preservation. Transparency will be balanced with privacy and security through clear, accountable guidelines.