ABSTRACT
What can be said, what must not be said? What information can be shared, what information must be hidden? What information can be freely distributed, what information must be paid for? Technical communicators have always had to be cognizant and respectful of laws and regulations regarding the distribution of information (e.g., laws and ethics regarding copyright and the fair use of others' writing). However, what happens when repressive laws and regulations conflict with the technical communicator's rhetorical obligation to serve the needs of readers and the public at large?
