UK 'at risk of evolving into propaganda regime' with unenforced FOI rules and official secrecy

A recent study reveals that declining compliance with Freedom of Information laws in the UK is fostering growing government secrecy, raising concerns about a potential shift toward a propaganda regime. Journalists report frequent delays, unhelpful responses, and subtle manipulations by public bodies, which effectively obscure rather than clarify public data. This systemic failure undermines the transparency essential for holding power to account. The implications for open data are significant, as the erosion of FOI rights leads to selective and patchy information release. When public authorities fail to provide data in accessible formats or actively obstruct requests, they create an illusion of transparency while concealing critical details. This hidden censorship makes it difficult for the public to detect misinformation or manipulated narratives, as the lack of raw, open data prevents independent verification. Ultimately, restricted access to public information hampers journalism’s ability to serve democracy by suppressing critical voices and aligning media discourse with official agendas. Without robust, unrestricted access to government data, the public cannot fully understand or challenge institutional actions. This trend highlights the urgent need to protect and reform open data mechanisms to prevent the gradual consolidation of state control over information.

Source: pressgazette.co.uk
Published on 2025-04-16

UK 'at risk of evolving into propaganda regime' with unenforced FOI rules and official secrecy

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