Access to Information as a fundamental, constitutional right

Access to Information as a fundamental, constitutional right Panelbeitrag der BfDI Prof. Dr. Louisa Specht-Riemenschneider bei der Internationalen Konferenz der Informationsfreiheitsbeauftragten am 23.06.2025 in Berlin zu Strengthening and Protecting Access to Information in a Changing Scenario – Is there a future for ATI (access to information)?Quelle: BfDI - PWThank you for the opportunity to contribute to this important discussion. We are witnessing a challenging moment for access to information around the world. In many countries, fundamental rights to information are being restricted or reinterpreted – sometimes subtly, sometimes overtly. National security, administrative burden, and the fast pace of digital transformation are often used as justifications to roll back transparency. But this is not just happening elsewhere. We, too, in Germany are feeling the pressure at the national level. During our recent coalition negotiations in Germany, there was a real threat that our Freedom of Information Act (the IFG) might be abolished. This sent shockwaves through the journalistic community and civil society – and rightly so. But something remarkable happened: the public responded. Journalists, NGOs, academics, and everyday citizens spoke out loudly and clearly in favor of retaining and strengthening access to information. This public pressure played a crucial role in keeping the German Federal Freedom of Information Act alive. That gives us hope. It shows that people do...