We live in an age in which governments are increasingly moving toward what has been termed “the surveillance state.” Thus, given this current trend, juxtaposed against the abuses uncovered by means of FOI laws, it is hardly surprising that the concept of freedom of information has not been without opposition. More than a few government agencies have waged pitched court battles in a desperate attempt to thwart democracy and continue the corrosive pattern of secrecy.

Nonetheless, governments can ill afford to ignore the need for accountability. Democracy is quintessentially about ensuring that governments perform in accordance with the will of the people. Civil servants should serve the public, and public authorities have no right to withhold information from the people unless an overriding public interest exists.

Today, there are grounds for cautious optimism: More than 50 countries have now passed freedom of information laws, more than half within the last decade. These laws are creating headlines around the world on subjects ranging from public safety to corruption to human rights.

This increase in FOI laws and their use across the world represents a welcome step forward. Yet, we cannot afford complacency. In February 2004, Privacy International, a coalition of computer professionals, academics, lawyers, journalists, jurists and human rights activists, released a report that deplored the decline of European privacy protections as a result of post-September 11 U.S. government pressure to create an infrastructure for the global tracking and surveillance of millions of citizens.

Churches of Scientology and their members consider it the responsibility of every citizen to reiterate and reaffirm the essential truth that government exists to serve the people. As L. Ron Hubbard pointed out, “The West came to greatness under the banner of liberty. But all liberties are gradually withered away where a public is not alert. Revolt is not the answer. Firm and united counselling of the government by groups which defend our culture and our liberty alone can serve us all.”

At the heart of a true democracy is open government. The churches of Scientology have come to represent a force for honesty and human rights in government, pioneering what is, in effect, a worldwide movement for government accountability.

Strong freedom of information laws endow citizens with a remedy for the corruption and oppression that can occur when governments are not held accountable for their actions. Through application of these laws, government officials and elected representatives can build a relationship of trust with the people they govern, assuring a future of peace and prosperity.