According to a UNESCO report, 141 countries worldwide have adopted laws regulating access to information, but a significant number of them fail to enforce these laws effectively. The report highlights that there is a considerable gap between enacting laws and implementing them. This issue was emphasized on September 28, celebrated as the International Day for Universal Access to Information, with the theme focusing on preserving truth and information integrity in the digital age.
The UNESCO report reveals that many countries have shortcomings in implementing and monitoring their access to information laws. Out of the countries surveyed, 51 were unable to demonstrate how they store information, despite having institutions, laws, and regulations in place for data collection and storage. UNESCO's leadership asserts that while the world will never run out of information, many people are deprived of access to it, which hampers societal development and awareness.
In today's digital age, the issue of access to information has become more complex. Despite being connected to the internet, some individuals are misinformed, and information spreads faster than fact-checking. The report notes that artificial intelligence (AI) can also contribute to the dissemination of misinformation. Therefore, the right to know is not just about accessing information but also about achieving informed independence.
The report cites a 2025 report by "Access Now and #KeepItOn," which documented 313 instances of internet shutdowns in 52 countries, the highest number ever recorded. UNESCO warns that restricting internet access not only affects journalists but also silences civil society and deprives citizens of life-saving information. The organization stresses that laws protecting the right to access information should be shielded from political interests that undermine their effectiveness.
UNESCO estimates that denying citizens the right to access information could result in economic losses between $350 billion and $510 billion annually. These losses directly impact the functioning of essential sectors, compromise transparent governance, hinder climate change mitigation efforts, and erode public trust. To address this issue, UNESCO recommends investing in public and independent media that adhere to professional standards.
Governments are urged to allocate sufficient resources to develop public media that verifies and reports accurate information, helping citizens distinguish fact from fiction. They are also encouraged to ensure that access to information laws are enforced and protect independent media and civil society. Social media platforms and technology companies are called upon to take responsibility for promoting access to information while adhering to international human rights standards.
Ultimately, UNESCO and other experts emphasize that the fight for universal access to information requires a collaborative effort from governments, media outlets, technology companies, and civil society. By working together, they can ensure that citizens have access to accurate and reliable information, which is essential for informed decision-making and a functioning democracy.
Key points
- Many countries have laws regulating access to information but fail to enforce them effectively.
- Denying citizens access to information can result in significant economic losses and undermine societal development.
- Governments, media outlets, and technology companies must work together to promote universal access to information.
