Editing Secrecy (section)

== Government ==
[[Government]]s often attempt to conceal information from other governments and the public. These state secrets can include [[weapon]] designs, military plans, [[diplomacy|diplomatic]] [[negotiation]] tactics, and secrets obtained illicitly from others ("[[intelligence (information gathering)|intelligence]]"). Most nations have some form of [[Official Secrets Act]] (the [[Espionage Act]] in the U.S.) and classify material according to the level of protection needed (hence the term "[[classified information]]"). An individual needs a [http://mdod.maryland.gov/employment/Documents/job%20seeker%20documents/Security%20Clearance%2004.18.10.pdf security clearance] for access and other protection methods, such as keeping documents in a [[safe]], are stipulated.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Government of Canada|first=Public Services and Procurement Canada|date=2017-12-12|title=Chapter 5: Handling and safeguarding of classified and protected information and assets – Industrial Security Manual – Security requirements for contracting with the Government of Canada – Canada.ca|url=https://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/esc-src/msi-ism/chap5-eng.html|access-date=2020-06-03|website=www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca}}</ref>

Few people dispute the desirability of keeping [[Critical Nuclear Weapon Design Information]] secret, but many believe government secrecy to be excessive and too often employed for political purposes.  Many countries have laws that attempt to limit government secrecy, such as the U.S. [[Freedom of Information Act (United States)|Freedom of Information Act]] and [[sunshine law]]s. Government officials sometimes [[political leak|leak]] information they are supposed to keep secret. (''For a recent (2005) example, see [[Plame affair]].'')<ref>{{Cite web|title=- THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT: ENSURING TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY IN THE DIGITAL AGE|url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CHRG-112shrg73178/html/CHRG-112shrg73178.htm|access-date=2020-06-03|website=www.govinfo.gov}}</ref>

Secrecy in elections is a growing issue, particularly secrecy of vote counts on computerized vote counting machines.  While voting, citizens are acting in a unique sovereign or "owner" capacity (instead of being a subject of the laws, as is true outside of elections) in selecting their government servants.  It is argued that secrecy is impermissible as against the public in the area of elections where the government gets all of its power and taxing authority.  In any event, permissible secrecy varies significantly with the context involved.{{Citation needed|date=December 2008}}