National Freedom of Information Acts

Freedom of information has been developing steadily as a human right since the year 2000. More than half (61) of the 89 countries which have FOI legislation enacted laws in the last decade (last updated in November 2011). The first right to information law was enacted by Sweden in 1766, largely motivated by the parliament’s interest in access to information held by the King.

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List of Countries' National FOI Legislation

Freedom of Information Acts in Africa

  • Angola
  • Ethiopia
  • Niger (fr)
  • Nigeria

Freedom of Information Acts in Asia

  • India
  • Thailand

Freedom of Information Acts in Central, South America & the Caribbean

  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Cayman Islands
  • Colombia
  • Ecuador
  • Jamaica ( amend. )
  • Nicaragua
  • Panama
  • Trinidad and Tobago

Freedom of Information Acts in Europe

  • Albania
  • Finland
  • Italy
  • Serbia
  • Armenia
  • France
  • Macedonia
( Am. 2008 , Am. 2010 )
  • Slovenia
  • Austria
  • Germany, Federal
  • Netherlands
  • Sweden
  • Belgium
    Germany, Berlin ( Water )
  • Norway
  • Switzerland
  • Bosnia
  • Hungary
  • Poland
  • UK
  • Denmark
  • Iceland
  • Portugal
  • Estonia
  • Ireland
  • Scotland

Freedom of Information Acts in North America

  • Canada
  • Mexico
  • USA ( amend. )

Freedom of Information Acts in Oceania

    Australia
  • New Zealand
  • Indonesia

For ICs Only

FOI Quotes

"Publicity is justly commended as a remedy for social and industrial diseases. Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants; electric light the most efficient policeman.” -- Louis D.…

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