(Massachusetts) State tells man he may be jailed for releasing data

from boston.com:

Governor Deval Patrick’s administration told a local website operator he could face jail time for publishing information that the state provided under an open-records request.

It is unclear whether officials would or could follow through with the threat to Michael Morisy, cofounder of MuckRock (muckrock.com), a website devoted to open records. But the unusual letter, also published on the website, has forced him to consult with an attorney.

The data, which Morisy had not removed from his website by last night, show how much money in food stamps has been spent at businesses around the state over the past five years under the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The state said the information was released erroneously and in violation of federal law.

Read the rest here.