Why is right access to information important?

The right to access information is an essential component of a democratic society – enabling citizens to hold their elected representatives accountable for the decisions they make and the ways in which they spend public money. It is recognized as a fundamental right by leading human rights bodies and courts.

What is right access to information?

Access to information is a fundamental human right which establishes that everyone can access information from public bodies, subject only to a limited regime of exceptions in keeping with a democratic society and proportionate to the interest that justifies them.

Why do we need freedom of information?

It strengthens the right to information as enshrined by the constitution. FOI allows Filipino citizens to request any information about government transactions and operations, provided that it shall not put into jeopardy privacy and matters of national security.

Why is access to information essential for the health of democracy?

Democracy depends on a knowledgeable citizenry whose access to a broad range of information enables them to participate fully in public life, help determine priorities for public spending, receive equal access to justice, and hold their public officials accountable.

How can we access information?

Most people connect to the Internet from home, work, or public access sites like libraries, schools, and community centers using personal computers, e-mail stations, interactive digital televisions, game stations, or web kiosks.

How can you improve access to information?

6 Ways You Can Improve Access to Information

  1. Caption your recorded and streamed video content to support audiences who are deaf and hard-of-hearing.
  2. Offer audio description and screen reader-friendly content, including alt text on images, to support people who are blind and have low vision.

Who does freedom of information apply to?

Which organisations are covered by the Freedom of Information Act? The Act covers central government departments and the executive agencies and public bodies they sponsor. It also covers parliament, the armed forces, devolved administrations, local authorities, the NHS, schools, universities and police forces.

What are the barriers to accessing information?

Some of the challenges to access to information and use as given by Ugah (2007) are lack of awareness; inaccessibility; information explosion; bibliographic obstacle: environment; poor infrastructure; declining budgets and rising costs; costs for users; staff attitude toward users; and crime.

What is freedom of information in your view?

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 provides public access to information held by public authorities. public authorities are obliged to publish certain information about their activities; and. members of the public are entitled to request information from public authorities.

How will we access information?

What is the importance of the right to information?

Right to Information provides a fundamental right for any person to access information held by government bodies. At the same time, the right to privacy laws grants individuals a fundamental right to control the collection of, access to, and use of personal information about them that is held by governments and private bodies.

Why is it important to have access to information?

In support of information access, Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) relates to freedom of expression, but it also relates to the right to “seek and receive” information. This means that we all have the right to seek out information and be provided with the information we need.

Why is Internet access is a basic right?

Now more than ever, internet access is a lifeline — not a luxury. But it is a lifeline that over 3.5 billion people cannot access, writes Eleanor Sarpong. For those fortunate enough to have meaningful connectivity, the internet provides a crucial link to information that helps us keep our families healthy and safe during this global health crisis.

Why are reliable sources of information so important?

With search engines like Google to help people navigate the Web, people can find information on virtually any topic that they desire. And, people can hear about major events almost immediately after they happen with the help of all of the social networking sites that are available to almost anyone with computer or mobile device.