For decades, the topic of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena—formerly known as UFOs—has hovered at the edge of public consciousness, wrapped in layers of mystery, conspiracy theories, and grainy footage captured on outdated camcorders. Governments, especially the U.S., have historically treated UAP records like a cosmic game of “keep-away,” classifying reports, denying sightings, and letting speculation fester in the dark vacuum where facts should be. The result? A culture more informed by The X-Files than actual data.

But what happens when the governments that long scoffed at the idea suddenly admit, “Yeah, we’ve been tracking these things, and no, we don’t know what they are either”? That’s exactly what happened when the Pentagon released UAP videos in 2020, showing objects defying the known laws of physics according to pilot testimony. (The Pentagon later claimed that, upon analysis, the objects only moved in unusual ways but within physical laws. Hmmm…) Rather than bringing clarity, this opened a floodgate of more questions: If they’ve been studying this all along, what else aren’t they telling us?

This is where public access to UAP records becomes essential—because secrecy breeds distrust. The more information is hidden, the more fertile the ground becomes for wild speculation, conspiracy theories, and general skepticism about government transparency. After all, if officials can withhold data about unexplained objects flying over military bases, what else might they be keeping under wraps?

Historically, governments have hoarded UAP information under the guise of national security. While it’s reasonable to protect sensitive data related to defense capabilities, it’s not reasonable to suppress information simply because it’s unsettling, unexplained, or potentially embarrassing. The U.K.’s Ministry of Defense, for example, held extensive files on UAP sightings, which they gradually declassified starting in the 2000s. The result? Public interest surged, but society didn’t collapse into chaos. People are surprisingly capable of handling the truth—if you give it to them straight.

Scientific inquiry thrives on data. Without access to comprehensive UAP records, researchers are left speculating based on second-hand accounts, blurry videos, and anecdotal evidence. Open data would allow independent scientists to analyze patterns, rule out known phenomena, and perhaps even identify new natural or technological explanations. Transparency transforms mystery from something feared into something studied.

The SETI Institute (Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence) operates on the principle that scientific inquiry is a public endeavor. Their data is open, peer-reviewed, and subject to rigorous scrutiny. Contrast this with government UAP programs shrouded in secrecy, where even the existence of research projects—like the Advanced Aerospace Threat Identification Program (AATIP)—was classified until investigative journalists pried it into the light.

Secrecy around UAP is also a public safety issue. Both military and commercial pilots have reported near-misses with unidentified objects. In 2019, U.S. Navy pilots described encounters with objects that moved in ways defying known aircraft capabilities. Suppressing these reports doesn’t make airspace safer; sharing them with aviation experts does.

Moreover, public access to UAP records helps normalize reporting. Currently, there’s a stigma attached to witnessing unexplained phenomena, especially for professionals like pilots and military personnel. When the government acknowledges the legitimacy of these reports, it reduces the fear of ridicule, encouraging more people to come forward with credible information. This creates a feedback loop where more data leads to better understanding.

The psychological dimension is significant. Humans are curious creatures, but we’re also prone to anxiety when faced with the unknown—especially when that unknown is wrapped in secrecy. Transparency about UAPs can reduce the existential angst that comes from imagining shadowy conspiracies controlling hidden truths. Sometimes, knowing that “we don’t know” is more comforting than the suspicion that someone else does and isn’t telling.

International cooperation is key. UAPs aren’t limited by national borders, and neither should the data be. Imagine a global database where sightings are logged, analyzed, and compared across countries, pooling resources from civilian, military, and scientific communities.

Of course, not all data should be released without consideration. Sensitive information related to military operations, surveillance technologies, or personal privacy must be handled responsibly. But redaction policies can protect security without defaulting to blanket secrecy.

Whistleblowers are critical. Individuals like David Grusch and Luis Elizondo, who publicly discussed the Pentagon’s UAP investigations, have faced backlash despite shedding light on programs the public had a right to know about. Robust whistleblower protections protect that those who expose government overreach or under-disclosure.

Cultural attitudes toward UAPs vary globally. In some Indigenous traditions, unexplained aerial phenomena are part of cosmological narratives that deserve respect, not dismissal. Acknowledging these perspectives enriches our understanding of how different societies interpret the unknown, bridging the gap between scientific inquiry and cultural heritage.

UAP-related defense programs involve significant public spending. Transparency ensures that taxpayer money is used responsibly, whether for advanced aerospace research, data analysis, or defense preparedness. When billions are spent under classified budgets, accountability becomes a black hole—transparent records bring it into public oversight.

UAP transparency is about respecting the public’s right to know, fostering scientific exploration, and strengthening democratic accountability. The unknown doesn’t have to be frightening if we face it with curiosity, courage, and an open mind.

Therefore, under Folklaw:

Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP) records shall be publicly accessible to promote transparency, scientific inquiry, and public trust.

Government agencies will proactively release all declassified UAP data, with clear protocols for protecting sensitive security information without defaulting to secrecy. An oversight body will ensure compliance with transparency mandates.

A global, open-access database will facilitate international cooperation, allowing civilian, military, and scientific communities to share and analyze UAP information.