Abstract

The article discusses information relations between the authorities and citizens based on openness and secrecy. It dwells on the origins of secrecy and openness, the concept of the culture of secrecy and the culture of openness, as well as the Polish experiences in this respect. It also expounds on the relations between citizens and public authorities in the future, where of paramount importance will be an answer to the question whether the authorities will be able to self-restrict themselves with respect to expanding the area of secrecy.