Teabevabadus

Teabevabadus refers to the right to access information held by public authorities and other bodies carrying out public functions. It is a cornerstone of democratic governance, enabling citizens, journalists and researchers to scrutinize decisions, budgets, and policies. The term is most closely associated with the statutory right to obtain documents, official communications, and data kept by government offices, local municipalities and state agencies. Information can be withheld only where there are lawful grounds, such as protection of personal data, privacy, state security, confidential business information, or ongoing investigations.

Legal framework: In Estonia, the right is enshrined and implemented through the Teabevabaduse seadus (Freedom of Information Act). Public bodies must respond to requests, typically within a defined timeframe, with either the requested information, a partial disclosure, or a justification for refusal. Requests may be submitted in writing or verbally, and records can be provided in readable form or as data. If access is denied, the decision must state the grounds; the requester can appeal to a competent administrative body or court.

Impact and context: The Teabevabadus aligns with European Union standards on openness and with international norms on freedom of information. It supports transparency, accountability, and public trust, and underpins journalism, academic research and civic participation. Estonia's long-standing emphasis on e-government and open data has shaped its approach to information access, promoting online portals and proactive disclosure as part of governance.