Access To Information: A Key To Democracy


 

Publication Date: November 2002

Publisher:

Author(s):

Research Area: Media, telecommunications, and information

Keywords: transparency; information freedom; information access

Type: Report

Abstract:

Public awareness about corruption and its corrosive effects has increased substantially since 1977 when President Carter signed into law the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, which prohibits bribery of foreign officials. Now many other countries are passing legislation to combat corruption and increase public confidence in government. Access to information is a crucial element in the effort to reduce corruption, increase accountability, and deepen trust among citizens and their governments.