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Freedom of Information Act
Freedom of information legislation, also described as open records or (especially in the United States) sunshine laws, are laws which set rules on access to information or records held by government bodies. In general, such laws define a legal process by which government information is required to be available to the public. In many countries there are constitutional guarantees for the right of access to information, but usually these are unused if specific legislation to support them does not exist.
Over 70 countries around the world have implemented some form of such legislation. Sweden's Freedom of the Press Act of 1766 is thought to be the oldest.
Other countries are working towards introducing such laws, and many regions of countries with national legislation have local laws. For example, all states of the United States have laws governing access to public documents of state and local taxing entities, in addition to that country's Freedom of Information Act which governs records management of documents in the possession of the federal government.
A related concept is open meetings legislation, which allows access to government meetings, not just to the records of them. In many countries, privacy or data protection laws may be part of the freedom of information legislation; the concepts are often closely tied together in political discourse.
A basic principle behind most freedom of information legislation is that the burden of proof falls on the body asked for information, not the person asking for it. The requester does not usually have to give an explanation for their request, but if the information is not disclosed a valid reason has to be given.
Joint Declaration: Bill of Act on Electronic Information and Transaction (UU ITE/Law No 11/2008) is a Threat to Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Expression in Indonesia
The National Alliance on Cyber Law Reform in Indonesia
The National Alliance on Cyber Law Reform in Indonesia (Aliansi) is concerned by the government?s intention to control once more the fundamental freedoms which has been constitutionally guaranteed in Indonesia...
Certain information contained in personnel records may be redacted in complying with a Freedom of Information request
Certain information contained in personnel records may be redacted in complying with a Freedom of Information requestMatter of Capital Newspapers Div...
Charter school required to provide certain staff personnel information in response to a Freedom of Information Law request
Charter school required to provide certain staff personnel information in response to a Freedom of Information Law requestMatter of New York State United Teachers v Brighter Choice Charter School, 2009 NY Slip Op 06071, Decided on July 30, 2009, Appellate Division, Third DepartmentThe New York State Federation of Teachers [UFT], a labor union, pursuant to the Freedom of Information Law [FOIL],* asked the Brighter Choice Charter School to provide it with the names, home addresses, titles and salaries of school?s teachers...
Should there be a Freedom of Information Act for the EU?
European Citizen Action Service (ECAS) news release: "The European Commission is publishing amendments to Regulation 1049/2001...
Improve the Freedom of Information Act!
A bill improving the Freedom of Information Act has already passed the House -- make sure that your senators know that you want open government!
I have worked for this employer for only three weeks. The employer makes up his own rules as to what he chooses to report for the purpose of property taxes. He tells me to "let them come after us". He defines Entertain
He arrogantly insists, "let them come after us." Well, if you are invo...
How to collect a personal loan from a spouse?
You local court will probably have someone to offer you some assistance as you p...
How to cash a cashier's check without ID?
I would get some I.D.! Other than that, maybe you can tell the investigator you ...
Should I return a phone call from a collection agency that doesn't name their client in the message?
In the county of the state where I live in the US, I am able to go to the websit...
Personal information/online harassment?
Quit talking with people on message boards that support these activities. The se...

I have worked for this employer for only three weeks. The employer makes up his own rules as to what he chooses to report for the purpose of property taxes. He tells me to "let them come after us". He defines Entertain
He arrogantly insists, "let them come after us." Well, if you are invo...
How to collect a personal loan from a spouse?
You local court will probably have someone to offer you some assistance as you p...
How to cash a cashier's check without ID?
I would get some I.D.! Other than that, maybe you can tell the investigator you ...
Should I return a phone call from a collection agency that doesn't name their client in the message?
In the county of the state where I live in the US, I am able to go to the websit...
Personal information/online harassment?
Quit talking with people on message boards that support these activities. The se...















