Dark Archives and Edemocracy: Strategies for Overcoming Access Barriers to the Public Record Archives of the Future

Abstract

Electronic records in public archives are increasingly in danger of being rendered inaccessible in light of the challenges posed by their hugely increased overall volume, coupled with the presence of sensitive content embedded within records which presently requires labor-intensive review for possible withholding. New advanced search technologies including in the form of machine learning promise to improve the review capabilities of public servants, for the purpose of protecting privacy as well as potentially accelerating access to archival record holdings in digital form. The emerging issue of how governments deal with the challenge to transparency posed by dark archives is a subject worthy of greater discussion in international open government and e-democracy forums.