This examination of agency fee waiver guidelines for public interest groups within the context of the Freedom of Information Act found that the lack of consistent guidelines inhibited the use of the act by public interest requesters. Efforts to limit types of information available under the act are described. (CLB)

This examination of the news media use of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) as a source of information focuses on three categories of journalists: non-users; reactive or periodic users; and paper chasers. The use of the FOIA reflects differing views on newsgathering methods, i.e., through people or through documents. (CLB)

Reviews policy issues surrounding decisions by governments to make available or to withhold information from government files that can be linked to identifiable individuals. Outlines the debate over access to public records, identifies policies that impact on disclosure decisions, and discusses options and approaches to address access and privacy…

The intention of S.1090 is to improve the existing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), but in its current form, it is technologically out of date, will burden the administrative process, and will delay disclosure. Examines general considerations for amendments, technology and information law, and technological and administrative problems with the…

This comparison of freedom of information legislation in Canada and the United States focuses on the concern evident in both to protect personal privacy. Specific criteria for achieving a balance between access and privacy are articulated. (CLB)

Traces trends in the federal government's policy toward publication of statutes and publication practices from the time of the colonies to the present administration. The impairment of the publication of federal administrative law is then discussed in the context of the rise of a national security state. (118 notes with references) (CLB)

A series of eight articles explores the impact of national security powers on government information policy and practice. Topics discussed include: the Freedom of Information Act; recommended standards for security classification; federal legislation dealing with national security; and national controls on scientific communication. (CLB)

Exploration of major causes underlying the growing amount of classified national security information examines both recent and perennial tendencies. The consequences of this growth for public access, constitutional checks and balances, and changes in the classification system and product are assessed, and corrective measures available to Congress…

Examines developments in information technology that might endanger individual privacy and legislative responses to these threats by the English-speaking democracies, i.e., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Guidelines for the responsible use of information technologies are proposed. (CLB)

Resource limitations and increases in the number of requests demand a rethinking of the review process of government documents for public access. State and federal trends may soon require a disclosure of database reports in electronic form. Issues central to the establishment of an adequate policy for electronic freedom of information are…