This story is free to read.

US sets new record for denying, censoring government files

FILE - In this March 9, 2015, file photo, President Barack Obama listens during his meeting with European Council President Donald Tusk in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. For the second consecutive year, the Obama administration more often than ever censored government files or outright denied access to them under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act, according to a new analysis of federal data by The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh) FILE - In this March 9, 2015, file photo, President Barack Obama listens during his meeting with European Council President Donald Tusk in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. For the second consecutive year, the Obama administration more often than ever censored government files or outright denied access to them under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act, according to a new analysis of federal data by The Associated Press. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)

By Associated Press March 18, 2015 1 min read

WASHINGTON (AP) – New government figures show that for the second consecutive year, the Obama administration more often than ever censored government files or outright denied access to them under the Freedom of Information law.

The government took longer to turn over files when it provided any. It refused a record number of times to turn over files quickly that might be especially newsworthy. It also acknowledged in nearly 1 in 3 cases that its decisions to withhold or censor records were improper under the law – but only when it was challenged.

The new figures cover requests to 100 agencies during fiscal 2014.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest says the Obama administration often releases records under the law and the government has a lot to brag about.