Nature
The problem of "suppression of information" refers to the deliberate act of concealing or restricting access to certain facts, data, or knowledge by individuals, organizations, or governments. This suppression can occur for various reasons, including political, economic, social, or personal motivations. It often results in a lack of transparency, hindering the free flow of information and impeding the ability of individuals or societies to make well-informed decisions. Suppression of information can take various forms, such as censorship, media control, internet restrictions, biased reporting, or even the intentional spreading of misinformation. Ultimately, it undermines the principles of democracy, freedom of speech, and the right to access accurate information necessary for societal progress and individual empowerment.
Incidence
The ministerial device of a "public interest immunity certificate" is used in the UK to suppress whole classes of official documents on the basis that damage to the national interest could occur to the activities of the security and intelligence services. It was used to suppress information prior to the court trial of government personnel in the 1992 British "sale of arms-to-Iraq" episode.
Official documents which describe how British forces were ordered to use mustard gas against Iraqi dissidents, including Kurds, after the first world war were removed without explanation from the public records office in 1992, around 13 years after they had been routinely declassified after 50 years of secrecy.
In 1993 newly declassified documents led to accusations that UK officials may have suppressed information to avoid embarrassment over their policy towards Jewish refugees during World War II. The UK authorities had access to speeches by Göbbels specifically referring to the annihilation of the Jews in Germany.
Claim
The suppression of information has reached alarming proportions, threatening the very fabric of our democratic society. With a tightening grip on the flow of information, powerful entities are able to manipulate public opinion, stifle dissent, and consolidate their control over the masses. This dangerous trend not only undermines our fundamental right to access unbiased and accurate information but also cripples our ability to make informed decisions, perpetuating a cycle of ignorance and manipulation. It is imperative that we address this grave issue to safeguard the integrity of our democracy and ensure a free and enlightened society for all.
Counter-claim
While some may argue that suppression of information is a significant problem, it is important to consider that in today's digital age, access to information has become more widespread than ever before. The internet and social media platforms have empowered individuals to share and access information freely, making it harder for any single entity or group to suppress information on a large scale. Additionally, the rise of whistleblower protections and investigative journalism has further mitigated the impact of information suppression, suggesting that the problem may not be as grave as it is often portrayed.