英语课程计划-Freedom of Information Day（在线收听）

Freedom of Information Day is celebrated every year on March 16. This is the day on which the 4th United States President James Madison was born. He was behind America’s Bill of Rights, which encourages government to be open and honest with its people. James Madison died in 1836 and it took 130 years following his death for the Freedom of Information Act to pass into law in 1966. The Act changed the way the people had access to government information from a need to know basis to a right to know basis. It meant government became more transparent and less corrupt. In 1986, President Ronald Reagan signed a resolution that made March 16 Freedom of Information Day.

What information is it exactly that people should have free access to? Freedom of information is many things. It is the accessibility of information held by governments. This is never total freedom. Ronald Reagan said that some privacy and secrecy was necessary to protect national interests. There is also the protection of the right to freedom of expression with regards to the Internet and information technology. This is often called digital rights. These are so new there are many issues that are difficult to resolve. Freedom of information also concerns censorship on the Web, another minefield for legislators to deal with. In an age where information gives people power, it is more and more important to be aware of this day.