Politics of Freedom of Information: How and Why Governments Pass Laws That Threaten Their Power

Governments pass freedom of information laws to promote transparency and accountability, but compromises and manoeuvres can weaken bold policies before they reach the statute book. FOI survived in part due to the government's reluctance to reject a law that spoke of freedom, information, and rights.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 08 September 2020
Publisher: Manchester University Press

Freedom of information (FOI) laws are passed by governments for various reasons, including the symbolic power and force they hold, their appeal as an electoral promise, and the difficulty in disengaging from them once in power. However, behind closed doors, compromises and manoeuvres are made to weaken bold policies before they become law.

The politics of freedom of information delves into how Tony Blair's government proposed a radical FOI law but ultimately backed down due to concerns about its potential consequences. Despite this setback, FOI survived, partly due to the government's reluctance to be seen rejecting a law that spoke of freedom, information, and rights.

The book compares the British experience with the difficult development of FOI in Australia, India, the United States, Ireland, and New Zealand. It examines the different cases and challenges faced in these countries and explores how FOI laws continue to cause controversy once they are in operation.

One of the key findings of the book is that FOI laws have the potential to disrupt traditional power structures and promote transparency and accountability in government. They can empower individuals to access information that would otherwise be hidden, allowing them to hold governments accountable for their actions. However, the implementation of FOI laws can also be complex and challenging, particularly in countries with a history of secrecy or a lack of institutional support.

The book also highlights the importance of balancing the benefits of FOI with the need to protect sensitive information and national security. Governments must find a way to strike a balance between these competing interests to ensure that FOI laws are effective and do not harm the public interest.

Overall, The Politics of Freedom of Information provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of the role of FOI laws in promoting transparency and democracy. It sheds light on the challenges and controversies surrounding these laws and offers valuable insights into their development and implementation.

Weight: 378g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526151759