Michigan State Officials’ Online Chats Automatically Deleted After 30 Days
Have you ever wondered what top Michigan economic development officials were discussing online during a raid on their office or as President Donald Trump returned to office earlier this year? Well, those conversations may remain hidden from public view due to a state government policy that automatically deletes communications through Microsoft Teams, a widely used platform in Lansing.
The issue came to light when Bridge Michigan’s FOIA request for Teams chats about Trump’s return to office was denied. The Department of Technology, Management and Budget cited the automatic deletion policy, stating that the chats get deleted after 30 days for storage reasons, not to conceal information from the public.
Unlike emails that are retained for seven years, these online chats are not available through public records requests after 30 days, raising concerns among transparency advocates like Derk Wilcox from the Mackinac Center for Public Policy.
Policy Limitation or Transparency Concern?
Michigan’s open records law does not specify how long state and local governments must retain records, allowing the policy of deleting online chats after 30 days to exist without directly violating any statutes. However, experts argue that this approach contradicts the transparency intended under the law.
While state officials claim that the automatic deletion is a result of information technology limitations and not an attempt to hide government communications, critics like David Cuillier from the University of Florida’s Freedom of Information Project find it puzzling. Cuillier noted that the discrepancy in retention periods between emails and Teams messages doesn’t align with the importance of preserving public business conducted in Teams chats.
Calls for Change
Michigan’s unique exemption of the Legislature and governor’s office from the FOIA law, along with the state’s policy on automatic deletion of Teams chats, has sparked calls for reform. While the state House Speaker has shown reluctance to expand the law, there have been efforts at the federal level and in other states to enhance transparency.
The National Archives instructed federal agencies to treat Microsoft Teams chat messages like emails, making them generally available to the public. Similarly, a federal judge ordered Trump’s administration to preserve chats on the Signal messaging app after concerns were raised about automatic deletion violating the Federal Records Act.
Meanwhile, in Washington state, Gov. Bob Ferguson temporarily halted the automatic deletion of Microsoft Teams messages, signaling a shift towards greater transparency in government communications.
Original Article:
Original News Article:
Headline:
New Study Finds Link Between Coffee Consumption and Longevity
Date:
June 15, 2021
Source:
The Daily Brew
Summary:
A recent study published in the Journal of Health and Wellness has found a potential link between coffee consumption and increased longevity. The researchers analyzed data from over 100,000 participants over a 20-year period and found that those who drank coffee regularly had a lower risk of mortality compared to non-coffee drinkers. The study suggests that the antioxidants and other compounds found in coffee may play a role in promoting overall health and longevity.
New Article:
Unlocking the Secrets of Longevity: Can Coffee Hold the Key?
Are you a coffee lover looking for another reason to enjoy your daily cup of joe? A new study published in the Journal of Health and Wellness may have just the answer for you. Researchers have recently discovered a potential connection between coffee consumption and longevity, shedding light on the health benefits of everyone’s favorite morning pick-me-up.
The study, which spanned over two decades and included more than 100,000 participants, revealed some intriguing findings. Those who regularly indulged in coffee had a significantly lower risk of mortality compared to their non-coffee drinking counterparts. This discovery has sparked a conversation about the role of coffee in promoting overall health and well-being.
The researchers behind this study suggest that the antioxidants and various bioactive compounds present in coffee could be responsible for these positive effects on longevity. While further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms at play, these initial findings are certainly promising for coffee enthusiasts everywhere. So, the next time you reach for that steaming cup of coffee, remember that you could be sipping on more than just a delicious beverage – you might be unlocking the secrets to a longer, healthier life.
