FOI stands for Freedom of Information. It is a legal concept and a fundamental democratic right that grants individuals the right to access information held by public authorities. The primary objective of FOI is to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance within governments and public institutions.
Under FOI laws, individuals, organizations, or the general public can request and obtain official documents and records held by public bodies. These bodies can include government departments, agencies, local authorities, education institutions, healthcare providers, and other publicly funded entities. The range of information that can be requested varies from country to country, but it generally includes documents, reports, statistics, minutes of meetings, emails, and other forms of recorded information.
FOI laws typically outline the process of making a request and the obligations of public bodies to respond promptly and provide the requested information, subject to certain exceptions and limitations. Exceptions usually involve sensitive or classified information, personal data protection, national security concerns, ongoing investigations, and commercial or trade secrets.
The central premise behind the FOI is to enhance transparency and enable individuals to scrutinize and understand the workings of public authorities. It facilitates effective participation in democratic processes, empowers citizens, and holds governments accountable for their actions and decisions. Advocates argue that FOI is essential for the functioning of a democratic society, allowing individuals to question authority, expose wrongdoing, and contribute to informed public debate.
