Less Safe: The Dismantling of Public Information Systems after September 11

Abstract

Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, there has been a tightening of public access. In response to perceived security threats, government agencies have taken information down from Web sites, curtailed or restricted access to electronic sources of information, broadened the interpretation of FOIA exemptions, created or augmented new categories of restricted information, and prohibited public access for critical infrastructure information. These policy responses have been based both on the perceived security threat and an inhospitable attitude toward open government on the part of the Bush administration.