White House Goes After Leakers

President Barack Obama’s flashy promise to create the most transparent White House in American history apparently doesn’t apply to leaks within its own administration. The White House has launched a vigorous attack against government workers who leak unauthorized information, Politico reports.

In the 40 years prior to Obama’s election, the government pursued legal action against leakers only three times. By contrast, the Obama administration has filed criminal charges against five leakers.

The White House says it’s only acting against people who threaten government security and that people who want to expose government wrongdoing can do so through proper channels. But many experts say the strategy may keep whistleblowers quiet in fear of legal prosecution. They also say it breaks Obama’s transparency vows.