SAN FRANCISCO (KMJ/AP) California’s State Supreme Court establishes that the public has a right to see emails and text messages about government business sent on private accounts.
The unanimous ruling made Thursday, clears up an area of state law which has been scrutinized in courtrooms. It has been alleged that some used the practice of personal accounts as a means of avoiding having to disclose information.
Opponents raised privacy concerns, citing a need for some public officials to request a confidential means of communication.
Many other states already treat private messages sent by public officials about government business, as public record.
The lawsuit itself focused on communication made through private devices used by San Jose’s mayor and city council members.
