19 November 2021 / John Gould

Issue: 7957 / Categories: Opinion , Profession

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John Gould examines the troubling implications for privacy & the rule of law when vast swathes of information are released in the name of transparency

It is a journalistic meme that very rich people don’t play by the rules. Their financial affairs are likely to be complex and obscure, crossing many borders and tailored by professionals to their client’s advantage. Some may have obtained great wealth from crime or corruption, and some may not have paid all their tax. Some may profess no personal social responsibility, and some may be hypocrites.

Offshore jurisdictions sit beyond the reach of national laws and policemen and harbour, we are led to believe—an amorphous mass of white-collar criminality and sharp practice. Politicians do nothing, it is suggested, because they are part of the same establishment system of double standards.

Confronted with this injustice and systemic abuse, surely direct action by right-thinking individuals and organisations is amply justified. Exposure and public opprobrium are not only deserved, but are what people want to read about.

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Too late to close the box?

© Copyright LexisNexis 2026. All Rights Reserved.

64401

John Gould examines the troubling implications for privacy & the rule of law when vast swathes of information are released in the name of transparency

It is a journalistic meme that very rich people don’t play by the rules. Their financial affairs are likely to be complex and obscure, crossing many borders and tailored by professionals to their client’s advantage. Some may have obtained great wealth from crime or corruption, and some may not have paid all their tax. Some may profess no personal social responsibility, and some may be hypocrites.

Offshore jurisdictions sit beyond the reach of national laws and policemen and harbour, we are led to believe—an amorphous mass of white-collar criminality and sharp practice. Politicians do nothing, it is suggested, because they are part of the same establishment system of double standards.

Confronted with this injustice and systemic abuse, surely direct action by right-thinking individuals and organisations is amply justified. Exposure and public opprobrium are not only deserved, but are what people want to read about.

Does

If you are not a subscriber, subscribe now to read this content

If you are already a subscriber sign in

...or Register for two weeks' free access to subscriber content

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