Access to Information

Information is power; all the more so where it is not freely accessible. In opaque systems those with privileged access to information are well-placed to demand bribes, while ill-informed citizens are in no position to contest the inadequate provision or denial of essential services such as healthcare or education. Corruption thrives in the shadows.

Openness and transparency must therefore be key components of any attempt to curb corruption. Where information is freely available, and ideally proactively disclosed by state agencies and service deliverers, people are able to hold governments to account for corruption and misconduct. Freely-available information is also key to the public’s faith in public institutions more generally, as it enables them to assess government performance and make informed decisions in the ballot box. The increasing use of technology to strengthen government transparency, notably e-government and the open data movement, is encouraging in this regard.

In the last 15 years, more than 90 countries have passed access to information laws, although implementation and enforcement varies dramatically. Where actively employed, access to information legislation can be a key safeguard against corruption, enabling law enforcement, civil society and citizens to monitor their government. Central to the ongoing development of an informed public sphere able to tackle corruption is respect for fundamental freedoms of expression, assembly and press.