Main Principles & General Rules for Freedom of Information: Scope
This policy applies to all requests from individuals to view or obtain public information, that is not protected, regardless of its source, form, or nature, including paper records, emails, computer-stored information, audio or video tapes, maps, photographs, manuscripts, handwritten documents, or any other recorded information.
The provisions of this policy do not apply to protected information, including:
- Information whose disclosure would harm the national security, policy, interests, or rights of the state.
- Military and security information.
- Information and documents obtained under an agreement with another country and classified as protected.
- Investigations, seizures, inspections, and monitoring operations related to a crime, violation, or threat.
- Information that includes recommendations, suggestions, or consultations for the purpose of issuing legislation or a government decision that has not yet been issued.
- Information of a commercial, industrial, financial, or economic nature, the disclosure of which would lead to illegal profit or loss avoidance.
- Scientific or technical research or rights containing an intellectual property right, the disclosure of which would prejudice a moral right.
- Information related to competitions, bids, and auctions, the disclosure of which would prejudice the fairness of the competition.
- Information that is confidential or personal under another system or requires certain legal procedures to access or obtain it.
Main Principles of Freedom of Information
First Principle: Transparency
Individuals have the right to access information regarding the activities of public agencies. This promotes integrity, transparency, and accountability within the system.
Second Principle: Necessity & Proportionality
Any limitations on requests to view or obtain protected information held by public agencies must be clearly and explicitly justified.
Third Principle: Principle of Public Information Disclosure
Every individual has the right to access public information that is not protected. This right is not contingent on the person's specific ability or interest in the information, nor does it subject them to any legal accountability.
Fourth Principle: Equality
All requests to access or obtain public information should be treated with equality and without discrimination among individuals.
