Government Data Transparency: Why Are Official Stats Often Massaged or Delayed?

Unfiltered community,From unemployment figures to pollution indices, government-released data sometimes feels cherry-picked to paint a rosy picture. Delays in RTI responses or selective releases during elections raise red flags. For instance, during a major economic report, key negative metrics were buried. Is this manipulation for political gain, or just bureaucratic inefficiency? Share instances you've encountered and ideas for independent verification bodies.