The CVR is there to enable investigation of accidents and incidents. As long as a request for its release is scrutinised by suitably qualified people to suitably qualified people I have no objection if it is to aid safety. The onward release to the public at large via the media should not be allowed. The irony of this is that we, here, all shout for the 'CVR and FDR' as soon as an accident happens - we don't really need it, do we?
The Pearson case is difficult. If it requested in order to determine some legal matter which could penalise a party, then I could support its LIMITED release to those who actually need the information. It is the control of the recording and transcripts that is the problem. Not dissimilar to cases where, say, national security is involved and 'sensitive' information can be released to a presiding judge alone.
The current complete lack of ability of many in government, the military or public services to protect laptops, sticks, papers etc. or to be discreet however, argues against all the above.