Transparency: A forgotten concept in the era of COVID-19

Photo Source: @HR Daily Advisor

When you read an article, do you fully trust the information that it provides, or do you question it and do research in order to fact check the sources? I believe that this is an important step in absorbing news and information in today’s world as the spread of fake news has only increased over the decade.

I believe that it is important to highlight the lack of transparency when an organization or government releases certain kinds of information, and why it’s important for everyone to question the accuracy of that information.

Transparency

What is more important, the speed of data production or the accuracy of the data produced? This controversial question seems to be at the root of transparency in data sharing. Transparency is most commonly known as related to the right to know and public access to information. It is no secret that companies and governments refrain from being completely transparent as it’s considered to be in their best interest to keep a “clean” image and protect themselves. Is it time for a change in conventions and policies?

Companies

Earlier this year, the Lancet Journal halted global trials of hydroxychloroquine for COVID-19, due to an investigation conducted by The Guardian which found inconsistencies in the data that was used as samples for the trials. This data was provided by a company known as Surgisphere.

The investigation found that Surgisphere had a troubling background as not only did they have little to no online presence, but several of their main employees were not certified professionals in the medical industry. The key studies featuring the data provided by Surgisphere, released by The New England Journal of Medicine and the Lancet were both retracted, followed by an issue of concern from Lancet regarding the misinformation used in the studies.

The Lancet called into question the lack of transparency in academia and the difficulties researchers face when they are given data from organizations. Stating that “disclosure of raw data can protect against potential misconduct… data sharing will enhance global collaboration and will promote real time analysis for improved control of future outbreaks…”.

However, this is just one example of a lack of transparency in data sharing. On September 6th the pharmaceutical company known as AstraZeneca paused global trials of their COVID-19 vaccine when a candidate sustained an adverse reaction. They resumed trials less than a week later after an independent committee found it safe enough to do so.

However, many scientists have criticized the company for not releasing more information and being transparent about the reason for the pause and resumption of the trials. Marie-Paule Kieny, a vaccine researcher at INSERM, the French national health-research institute in Paris, states “When ultimately a vaccine will be made available, public trust will be paramount to ensure public-health impact. And trust needs transparency.”

Governments

Moreover, there seem to be issues related to the lack of transparency from governments. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic governments had pledged trillions of dollars in economic relief to encourage people to stay at home and prevent people from going to work and risking further spread of COVID. However, in many countries, corruption is preventing this aid from reaching the ones in need of it.

In March, The government of Sri Lanka announced that it would give 5000 Rupees to low income families, senior citizens and people with disabilities. The corruption seems to stem from the local consuls assigned to distribute the money and the lack of transparency from the governments regarding the distribution process and making sure that the money is actually distributed.

In one case, a local officer allegedly stole money that she was supposed to distribute to low-income families. This shows that there is a problem from the lack of transparency and would seemingly only be solved by letting people know what it is that they deserve and when they should exercise their rights as citizens.

Key Legal Notes:

UN Convention against Corruption:

The Convention may be the only legally binding universal anti-corruption instrument. It is in response to the global problem of corruption and covers five main areas: preventive measures, criminalization and law enforcement, international cooperation, asset recovery and information exchange.

Freedom of Information Act 2000:

This Act provides the right of access to information to any person. It highlights things such as the right to access of information held by public authorities, publicly owned companies, etc. Additionally, it highlights the exempt information such as international relations and national security related information.

The lack of transparency from companies and governments has led to some public distrust and rightfully so, as COVID-19 continues to expose corruption and regulatory failure. It is difficult to trust in something when you’re not given all of the information necessary. Although, it seems that some companies and governments have opted to promote transparency and lead by example, there is still a clear majority that believes that the public should not be wise to any flaws or mistakes that are made. It also makes clear that these companies and governments should be held liable for their actions and scrutinized for their mistakes which is arguably a role best filled by the public.