Germany set to restrict its Freedom of Information Act
The German government is considering significant reforms to its Freedom of Information Act, which critics fear will severely limit public and journalistic access to official data. Proponents argue that increased confidentiality is necessary to protect against global cyberwarfare and security threats.
Why it matters
The potential rollback of transparency laws in a major democracy raises concerns about government accountability and the balance between national security and civil rights.
Critics fear the reforms could weaken government transparency by curbing civil society's access to official information and limiting requests from foreigners.
https://p.dw.com/p/5H1fr Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) (left) and his Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU): The conservatives in the government, in particular, want to amend the Freedom of Information Act Image: Federico Gambarini/dpa/picture alliance Advertisement Shortly before the German parliament's summer recess, lawmakers approved a whole series of reforms . "These reforms are meant to get Germany back on track," said Chancellor Friedrich Merz optimistically.
Toward the bottom of the 34-point list of reforms is something that has begun to cause great controversy: the ruling coalition of conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU)/ Christian Social Union (CSU) and the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) wants to significantly alter the Freedom of Information Act (IFG) , which has been in effect since 2006. Critics say, the plan is to abolish it altogether.
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