Transzparencia

Transzparencia is the Hungarian term for transparency, derived from the Latin word transparens meaning "through which light passes". The concept refers to the quality of being open, honest, and easily understood or inspected, especially in institutions that hold public authority. In public administration, transparency aims to reduce corruption by making processes, decisions, and financial information available to citizens. This principle is codified in the European Union's Transparency Directive (2013/34/EU) and in national legislation such as Hungary's 2011 Act on Access to Public Information.

In the corporate world, transparency is considered a key component of corporate governance. It involves the disclosure of financial statements, risk factors, and executive compensation in a format that stakeholders can comprehend. The Global Reporting Initiative and the Sustainable Accounting Standards Board promote transparent sustainability reporting. Transparency also underpins fair competition: benchmarks, product safety testing, and licensing procedures are publicly accessible to prevent undue advantage.

Transparency has become a core requirement in journalism and communications. Ethical codes such as the Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics stress the importance of exposing motives, sources, and potential conflicts of interest. Additionally, internet platforms use open data initiatives and APIs to allow developers and researchers to inspect how content is moderated or recommended.

Achieving transzparencia is not without challenges. The effective release of information requires clear standards, adequate resources, and, often, a cultural shift toward accountability. Privacy concerns, selective disclosure, and information overload can diminish the benefits of transparency. Nevertheless, most modern democracies, international organizations, and even private corporations view transzparencia as essential to sustaining trust and legitimacy in an increasingly complex global landscape.