Fergie's Tech Blog

Privacy Board Won't Share Documents

Ryan Singel writes on 27B Stroke 6:

The White House Privacy and Civil Liberties Board responded to Wired News's request for documents about its briefings on the board's knowledge of the government's warrantless wiretapping of Americans and is refusing to release any records -- except already publicly available testimony by activists and professors -- since doing so would not be in "not be in the public interest" and would "inhibit the frank and candid exchange of views that are necessary for effective government decision making," according to a letter received Tuesday. Congress, which created the board in 2004 in response to 9/11 Commission recommendations, specifically required the board to be subject to government sunshine requests.

The board is charged with providing advice to the Administration, making sure that antiterrorism programs respect privacy and civil liberties and reporting to Congress. Carol Dinkins -- a partner at the law firm where Attorney General Alberto Gonzales used to work -- chairs the board.

posted by Fergie @ 1/24/2007 03:58:00 PM