Thinking Info

The right to know is a human right which is still evolving. There are over 80 access to information laws in the world and more are being adopted every year. New laws, good practices, court decisions and the demand by the public for more transparency are advancing the frontiers of the right to know. At the same time, in many countries the right is continually undermined by corruption, poor administrative practices, and excessive government secrecy. Civil society groups and individuals around the world are working to define and defend the right to access to information.

Access Info aims to keep the discussion about the right to know alive. Should people have access only to government information or public and private companies too? Should citizens have access to personal information about key public representatives? How much information should be available from international institutions? There are many questions associated with access to information. Through our discussion papers, by developing standards and principles, and by working to catalyze opportunities for exchange and debate, we hope to keep the debate on the frontiers of access to information moving forward.

What is the Right to Know?An overview of the right to know as widely understood and established in international standards and many national laws.

Principles: Standard-setting work such as the development of principles and declarations on the right to know is a core part of access info's work. You can read here our general principles on access to information and about standard-setting in specific issue areas.

Get Involved: Endless opportunities to get involved and current campaigns for action.

Get Connected: Links to related organisations, networks and resources.

Events: Upcoming events about access to information and transparency organised by access info and others from around the world.