One-Person Disclosure Triggers Enforcement

This provision defines disclosure as "public" when information becomes known by one or more persons—meaning even private communications with a single individual (a source, editor, or legal counsel) could trigger enforcement action under the Act. Combined with the preceding provisions' expansive categories of "protected confidential information" (52, 53)—including Cabinet communications, economic data, and closed-door proceedings—this creates a framework where journalists and whistleblowers face enforcement risk for virtually any disclosure of government information. The provision lacks safeguards for communications with editors, fact-checkers, legal counsel, or oversight bodies, and does not require that the discloser knew the information was protected, creating a chilling effect on investigative journalism and government accountability.