Abstract
This chapter tracks the expansion of Freedom of Information (FoI) laws in advanced democracies, and examine the patterns of usage by citizens and the press in a few selected cases. In 1970s, only four nations had FoI laws, now they exist in 16 advanced industrial democracies and the European Union. These information laws are heavily utilized in some nations, giving citizens and groups new access to information on government policies. When combined with an aggressive, independent, and investigative press tradition, FoI laws can be used effectively to increase government accountability.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Democracy Transformed? |
| Subtitle of host publication | Expanding Political Opportunities in Advanced Industrial Democracies |
| Publisher | Oxford University Press |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9780191603259 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9780199264995 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Feb 1 2006 |
Keywords
- Access
- Accountability
- Freedom of information laws
- Press
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Social Sciences