Can I get access to all information held by public bodies?

No. The right of access to information is not an absolute right. There may be some information that would cause harm if released, at least at this point in time. For more information on exceptions to access to information click here.

How do I make a request for information?

Remember that you have the right to ask the government questions and the government has to respond because it’s your right to know! Due to the exceptions seen above, they may not always give you information but they always have to answer your request.

Who can make a request?

Anybody can make a request for information regardless of their nationality and there is also no need to justify your interest in the information nor to answer questions about the reason for asking for the information, nor do you have to give detailed answers to questions about who you are or what you will do with the information. However, it’s a good idea to give them an email address so that they can contact you easily.

How do I make my request?

To file a request is simple and there are not many formalities. In most cases you can file your request both written and orally, and in case you file them in writing you can do it also by email.

What should I say in my request?

Your request should be as specific as possible. In most cases it is not necessary to identify a specific document by any formal reference (Italy is the one exception here).

In the first requests you send, it’s a good idea to keep the requests relatively simple and clear. That way you have a better chance of getting a quick answer and you can always make follow-up requests.

How will I receive the information?

You can get access to the information in different formats (inspection of originals, copies, DVDs, CDs, etc.) In almost all cases you can ask for a specific format and you have a right to receive the information in that format, unless it is impossible or too expensive. You should specify in your request in which format you want to receive the information.

When will I receive the information?

Countries have different time frames for answering requests, for notifications of extensions or issuing refusals, which go from as soon as possible to 1 month.

Extensions in case of complex requests: Most countries permit public bodies to extend the timeframes if the request is complex. Such extensions are usually for an additional few days up to an extra month. In all cases the requestor should be notified of the delay and reasons should be given.

And if I don’t get the information I asked for?

You have right to appeal if you don’t get the information. There are normally at least two stages of appeal. Firstly, appeal to the body which refused to give the information or which failed to answer. Check what your national access to information law says, but normally the appeal letter can be sent to the head of the institution. In countries which have good access to information laws, there will be a clear system for filing appeals. The second stage of appeal is either to the courts or, if your country has one, the information commission or commissioner.

This right of access to information places two obligations on governments. First, the obligation to publish and disseminate to the public key information about what different public bodies are doing. Second, governments have the obligation to receive from the public requests for information and the obligation to respond, either by letting the public view the original documents or receive copies of documents and information held by public bodies, according to the prefernece of the requester.