Impact of Dark Money on Politics

Dark money refers to the financial contributions made by organizations or individuals that are not required to disclose their donors. This term has gained traction, especially since the 2010 Supreme Court ruling that affirmed the rights of unions and corporations to spend money on political advocacy. Critics argue that dark money poses a threat to democracy, enabling wealthy interests to exert undue influence over elections and public opinion. However, the application of this term has evolved, often extending beyond electoral contexts to include any attempt to influence government or public policy without revealing funding sources, which raises important questions about privacy and free speech rights.