Information Policy Cheat Sheet
The core ideas of Information Policy distilled into a single, scannable reference — perfect for review or quick lookup.
Quick Reference
Freedom of Information
The legal right of citizens to access records and documents held by government bodies, rooted in the principle that government transparency is essential to democratic accountability. Freedom of information laws establish procedures for requesting public records and define exemptions for classified or sensitive material.
Data Privacy
The right of individuals to control how their personal information is collected, used, shared, and stored by organizations. Data privacy policies establish consent requirements, data minimization principles, and individual rights such as access, correction, and deletion.
Intellectual Property
Legal protections granted to creators for their original works, inventions, and brands, including copyrights, patents, trademarks, and trade secrets. Intellectual property policy balances incentivizing innovation with ensuring public access to knowledge.
Net Neutrality
The principle that internet service providers should treat all internet traffic equally, without discriminating based on source, destination, or content. Net neutrality policies prevent ISPs from blocking, throttling, or creating paid fast lanes for certain websites or services.
Government Surveillance
The monitoring of communications, activities, and data by government agencies for purposes of national security, law enforcement, or intelligence gathering. Surveillance policies define the legal authorities, oversight mechanisms, and civil liberties protections that constrain state monitoring power.
Open Data
The practice of making government and institutional datasets freely available to the public in machine-readable formats, promoting transparency, innovation, and civic engagement. Open data policies specify licensing terms, data quality standards, and publication requirements.
Digital Divide
The gap between populations that have access to modern information and communication technologies and those that do not, driven by factors such as income, geography, age, education, and infrastructure. Information policies addressing the digital divide aim to ensure equitable access to broadband, digital literacy, and online services.
Content Moderation
The policies and practices used by online platforms to review, filter, and remove user-generated content that violates community standards or legal requirements. Content moderation raises complex questions about free expression, platform liability, and the power of private companies to shape public discourse.
Data Sovereignty
The principle that data is subject to the laws and governance structures of the country in which it is collected or stored. Data sovereignty policies require that certain categories of data remain within national borders, affecting cloud computing, international trade, and cross-border data flows.
Algorithmic Accountability
The requirement that organizations using automated decision-making systems be transparent about how their algorithms work, ensure fairness, and provide mechanisms for individuals to challenge algorithmic outcomes. Accountability policies address bias, discrimination, and due process in AI-driven decisions.
Key Terms at a Glance
Get study tips in your inbox
We'll send you evidence-based study strategies and new cheat sheets as they're published.
We'll notify you about updates. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.