For outputs, transparency can be exceedingly important. A central reason is that government often has information that people can use, perhaps to make life more navigable, perhaps to avoid serious risks. It should not keep that information to itself. Another reason is that sunlight can operate as a disinfectant. Whether the information involves the government’s own performance or the performance of the private sector, disclosure can spur better performance.

David E Pozen; Michael Schudson, Troubling Transparency- The…, loc. 977