What is meant by universal access to information?

• The United Nations observes the International Day for Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) on September 28.

• This year’s theme is: “Upholding Information Integrity in the Digital Age: The role of access to Information in addressing Information Disorder”.

What is the significance of this theme?

• In a digital world overflowing with information, misinformation and disinformation, access alone is not enough. People also need timely, reliable information. 

• Timely and credible public information can strengthen trust, support informed decisions and help people participate meaningfully in society.

• The day explores how access to reliable official information, proactive disclosure, media and information literacy, credible data and digital technologies can contribute to a healthier information environment.

Universal access to information

• Informed citizens can make informed decisions, for instance, when going to the polls. 

• Only when citizens know how they are governed, can they hold their governments accountable for their decisions and actions. 

• Information is power. Therefore, universal access to information is a cornerstone of healthy and inclusive knowledge societies.

• Universal access to information means that everyone has the right to seek, receive and impart information. 

• This right is an integral part of the right to freedom of expression. 

• The media plays a crucial role in informing the public about issues of interest, but it relies on the ability to seek and receive information, too. 

• Hence, the right to universal access to information is also bound up with the right to freedom of the press.

The right to information

• The right to public information is a component of the fundamental right of freedom of expression as set forth by Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948), and the subsequent International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966). 

• The right to information is an umbrella term that refers to the legal right to access information held by public institutions. 

• It is often used in the same way as terms such as freedom of information. 

• The implementation of the right to information, refers to efforts to give practical effect to the provisions of the law, policy or regulation. 

• Implementation is important to ensure that the benefits of the law, policy or regulation are realised.