Publication: Legislation on Freedom of Information : Trends and Standards
Date
2004-10
ISSN
Published
2004-10
Author(s)
Mendel, Toby
Abstract
Coined at the dawn of the scientific
age, Bacon's aphorism has taken on new meaning today,
when government agencies have at their disposal massive
amounts of information about nearly every aspect of modern
life. Striking an appropriate balance between the power of
government and of citizens to control it demands widespread
access to government-held information. As a result there is
growing consensus that the right to information is a crucial
element of democratic, accountable, responsive government.
Recognition of this right has come swiftly. Just over a
decade ago it was guaranteed in only a handful of countries.
Now more than 50 countries have freedom of information laws,
and 15-20 more are considering them. Moreover, a growing
number of intergovernmental bodies-including the World Bank,
European Union, and United Nations Development
Programme-have such policies.
Citation
“Mendel, Toby. 2004. Legislation on Freedom of Information : Trends and Standards. PREM Notes; No. 93. © World Bank, Washington, DC. http://openknowledge.worldbank.org/entities/publication/5ad2aec7-7897-5f1c-992c-4d349b0e3f92 License: CC BY 3.0 IGO.”