Question

nformation is power. It is predictable, therefore, that those in authority will seek to

manipulate others through the control of data. However, all information in a

democratic society should be freely available unless there are specific, well-

formulated reasons for withholding it in the interest of security.

The Freedom of Information (FOI) functions at a number of different levels: in itself,

for the fulfilment of all other rights and as an underpinning of democracy.

Information held by public bodies is not only for the benefit of officials, politicians or

other designated people associated with the organisation, but also for the public as a

whole. Unless there are good reasons for withholding such information, all interested

parties should be able to access it. More importandy, freedom of information is a key

component of transparent and accountable government. It plays a key role in enabling

citizens to see what is going on within government, and in exposing corruption and

mismanagement. Transparent and open government is also essential if voters are to be

able to assess the performance of elected officials and if individuals are to exercise

their democratic rights effectively, for example, through timely protests against new

policies, or by using their vote against candidates who have indulged in undemocratic

activity.

Freedom of expression and access to information is a fundamental right and must be

held as a cornerstone of democracy. In its absence, government can, and often does,

behave with impunity. It is argued, however, that it is not an absolute right – the

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) for instance, specifies

certain permissible constraints. One of these is the right of the state to withhold

information ‘for the protection of national security or of public order, or of public

health and morals’. This is irascibly vague and provides many loopholes for

governments to use this wording as a basis for restricting information that is

inconsistent with their ambitions.

The public’s right to know is an intrinsic part of informed public debate, which has

traditionally been dependent on the freedom to receive and impart information without

government interference. However, it may also be argued that this does not mean a

right to receive any type of information from the government. It is of paramount

importance that any restrictions on information or expression regarding security

matters must designate in law only the specific and narrow categories of information

absolutely necessary to protect a legitimate national security concern. on the basis of readingafterpay stage make notes on using headings and subheadings use recognisable observatories wherever necessary supply an appropriate title to it

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Answer 1

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