Sheet 98
INFORMATION DISCLOSURE
1 The Basic Concept of Information Disclosure
Information disclosure is a system by which the general public can request and gain access to the information and data held by each government agency. This service is provided in many countries even at national level. 13 of the 24 member countries of the OECD, (namely Sweden, Finland, USA, Denmark, Norway, France, Holland, Austria, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Belgium, South Korea), for example, operate such a system. Some countries have even taken this one step further by voluntarily publishing this information through media such as the Internet, for free access to all.
The rights of access to information stems perhaps from the more fundamental right of freedom of expression. In modern society, where the government and the mass media control the majority of information, freedom of expression cannot be protected and guaranteed if individuals are not also given the legal right to access information.
Granting the right to information disclosure is consistent with the principle of democracy, where people may check, scrutinize, and ultimately decide upon government policies and administration.
Taking the above into account, the merits of introducing an information disclosure system are outlined as follows.
・It would meet individual needs for information(for surveys, research, etc.).
・It would provide essential economic data for private enterprises, hence reducing their market research expenses and promoting a more vibrant private sector.
・It would reduce the chance of corruption arising from "the buying and selling of information".
・Regulations and policies, such as those involved in the setting up of public facilities, would better reflect the needs of the people, and may be implemented more smoothly.
・Through feedback from the public, the work of government subsidiaries and administrative services could be better distributed and operated more effectively.
・Public feedback would help identify issues and problems that might contribute towards better policy making.
2 Points to Note Regarding the Introduction of an Information Disclosure System
(1) Classified Information
The following type of information is recognized as an exception to the rule regarding information disclosure. It must be stressed, however, that the basic principle of information disclosure should be adhered to as far as possible.
・Information related to national security and foreign policy
Such information, if disclosed, would threaten national security, and damage international relations. In the midst of diplomatic negotiations, any such disclosure would go against the national interest.
