Freedom of Information:
Empowering Citizens
A fundamental right that empowers citizens to hold their governments
accountable.
What is Freedom of Information?
Defining FOI Key Principle
Freedom of Information (FOI) is the right of individuals to This right is essential for ensuring government
access information held by public authorities. transparency and accountability.
Transparency in
Governance
Public Scrutiny Informed Participation
FOI allows citizens to
examine government Citizens can contribute to
actions and decisions. public policy debates and
decision-making processes.
Holding Power Accountable
FOI helps ensure that those in power are held responsible for
their actions.
Right to Access Public
Records
Government Policy and Spending
Documents
FOI requests can cover
This right extends to records, topics like public policy,
documents, and data held by government spending, and
public bodies. more.
Empowering Citizens
FOI empowers citizens to hold government accountable and
participate in governance.
Limiting Government
Secrecy
Fighting Secrecy Open Access
FOI laws aim to reduce Citizens should have access to
unnecessary government secrecy information unless there are valid
and promote openness. reasons for withholding it.
Public Trust
FOI helps build public trust in
government by ensuring
transparency and accountability.
FOI Laws Around the World
The United States has the Freedom of Information 1
Act (FOIA) passed in 1966.
2 The UK has the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Canada has the Access to Information Act passed 3
in 1985.
4 Australia has the Freedom of Information Act 1982.
India has the Right to Information Act 2005. 5
Submitting an FOI Request
Identifying the Information
Clearly state what information you are seeking and
specify the relevant public body.
Submitting the Request
Submit the request through the appropriate channels,
either online or by mail.
Responding to the Request
The public body will respond within a specified timeframe.
Exemptions and Exceptions
National Security
1 Information that could harm national security.
Personal Privacy
2
Information that could violate someone's privacy.
Law Enforcement
3
Information that could hinder ongoing investigations.
Commercial Confidentiality
4
Information that could harm a company's competitive position.
Proactive Disclosure
Publishing Information
1
Public bodies proactively publish important information, making it readily available.
Open Data Portals
2 These portals provide access to a wide range of government data for
analysis and use.
Increasing Transparency
3 This approach promotes transparency and encourages
citizen engagement.
Challenges to Effective FOI
1 2
Complexity Time Delays
FOI systems can be complex and Requests can take a long time to
difficult to navigate. be processed and fulfilled.
3 4
Overuse of Exemptions Limited Resources
Public bodies may over-rely on Lack of funding and staff can
exemptions to withhold hinder effective FOI
information. implementation.
