RighttoKnow

RighttoKnow is a term used to describe a set of rights and norms that citizens have to access information held by government bodies. It is commonly associated with laws and practices that promote transparency, accountability, and informed public discourse. While the specifics vary by country, the underlying idea is that public power should be exercised openly and that information about government decisions should be available to the public.

In legal terms, RighttoKnow typically refers to access-to-information regimes such as freedom of information or access to information laws. These frameworks generally grant individuals the right to request records from public authorities, specify response timelines, and outline potential fees. Most regimes also include exemptions for matters like national security, personal privacy, or ongoing law enforcement investigations, and some require proactive disclosure of certain information.

The process usually involves filing a written request with the relevant agency, which then must decide whether to release the information, partially disclose it, or deny the request with a justification. If denied or unsatisfied, applicants can appeal to an information commission, ombudsman, or court. The outcome may include disclosure, redactions, or other remedies, and journalists, researchers, and civil society groups frequently use RighttoKnow mechanisms to scrutinize government actions.

Global practice varies. Notable implementations include the Indian Right to Information Act (2005), the U.S. Freedom of Information Act (1966), the U.K. Freedom of Information Act (2000), and Canada’s Access to Information Act. Challenges include bureaucratic delays, broad exemptions, and tensions between transparency, privacy, and security.