In light of past abuses committed against the American people—such as the Tuskegee Experiments, MK Ultra, and Operation Mockingbird—it is imperative to establish robust safeguards against government secrecy and unchecked power. This Act proposes limitations on the government’s ability to classify information, ensuring that no agency may act upon the people of the United States without full transparency and consent.
As autonomous individuals with inalienable rights, we do not consent to be experimented upon, surveilled, categorized, or otherwise tampered with by government entities without informed consent. No elected or unelected official should withhold information regarding actions that impact American citizens, and full transparency must be upheld as a standard.
Provisions of the Act:
1. Limitations on Classification Powers: Government agencies shall be restricted in their ability to classify information that pertains to actions affecting U.S. citizens. Classification should be applied only when truly necessary for national security, not as a means to obscure actions from public scrutiny or shield government practices from accountability.
2. Mandatory Declassification of Past Violations: All information relating to historic government actions that would violate this policy must be reviewed and, where appropriate, declassified. This retroactive transparency will help the public understand past abuses and hold responsible parties accountable.
3. Independent Oversight Committee: An independent, civilian-led oversight committee shall be established to review and approve classification requests, ensuring that each instance is justifiable and in line with the values of this policy. This committee shall also oversee the declassification of past violations and monitor compliance.
4. Transparency Reporting Requirements: Agencies must submit an annual report to Congress and the public, detailing the number and nature of classified items, requests for declassification, and compliance with this policy. This transparency report will ensure accountability and provide data on the government’s classification practices.
5. Sunset Clause on New Classifications: All classified information shall be automatically declassified after a designated period unless an independent body provides specific, justifiable reasons for continued secrecy. This sunset clause prevents indefinite classification without oversight.
6. Whistleblower Protections: Strong protections shall be in place for whistleblowers who disclose abuses of classification policies or any government actions violating this policy. Whistleblowers play a crucial role in upholding transparency and accountability within government agencies.
7. Enhanced Due Process for Surveillance and Classification: Any government surveillance or classification of information regarding private citizens who are not under criminal investigation must be subject to due process as well as strict judicial oversight. This provision protects citizens from undue surveillance and upholds constitutional rights to privacy.
8. Due Process for Liberty of Movement: No U.S. citizen shall be placed on a no-fly list or have their freedom of movement curtailed without a public hearing, public notice, or other forms of due process. This ensures that restrictions on movement are justified, transparent, and challengeable.
9. Public Awareness Campaign: The government shall establish an educational campaign to inform the public of their rights under this policy, including how to request their personal records and challenge actions taken against them. Awareness is essential for citizens to exercise their rights effectively.
This Act prioritizes transparency, accountability, and the protection of individual liberties, ensuring that government agencies act with integrity and respect for citizens’ rights. It is our duty to guard against government overreach, so that no one may be subject to secrecy or unchecked power in a free and democratic society.