Access to Public Information

More than fifteen countries around the world have launched major initiatives to make a substantial volume of government information available to the public through the Internet. These efforts to promote digital transparency with regard to information of interest to the public are extremely important and should be widely supported. They have the potential to promote open government and greater public participation in the development of key national policies. It is essential to note, however, that online accessibility of government information, alone, is not sufficient. In addition to making the information available online, governments must also act to foster the expansion of Internet access to ensure that all citizens have the technical means to make use of the information. Governments must also work to provide educational and analytical opportunities adequate to ensure that citizens are able to analyze and understand the information. Digital transparency by governments can provide maximum social, political, and economic benefits only when it is combined with the development of an informed population which is educated and trained sufficiently to enable it to analyze and understand the information presented by the government.