What does the Access to Information Act do?

The purpose of the Access to Information Act is to enhance the accountability and transparency of federal institutions in order to promote an open and democratic society and to enable public debate on the conduct of those institutions.

What right does the Access to Information Act give you?

Under the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act , you have with the legal right to obtain information, in any form, that is under the control of a government institution. The acts serve to make government more open and transparent, and allow you to more fully participate in the democratic process.

What is the information Act of 2002?

The Access to Information Act (2002) gives citizens and other persons a general legal right to obtain access to an official government document, other than an exempt document, which would otherwise be inaccessible.

What are the core principles of the Access to Information Act?

The Access to Information Act is based on three main principles: government information should be available to the public; exceptions to the right of access should be limited and specific; and. decisions about disclosures should be reviewable independently of government.

Why is access to information important?

Why is access to information so important? The right of access to information empowers citizens to obtain information held by public bodies (with limited exceptions). It encompasses a right to request and receive information, as well as an obligation for governments to publish information proactively.

What is considered personal information under the Privacy Act?

The Privacy Act defines personal information as any recorded information about an identifiable individual including: race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age or marital status. education, medical, criminal or employment history of an individual or information about financial transactions.

What information can I obtain under the Freedom of Information Act?

You can ask for any information you think a public authority may hold. The right only covers recorded information which includes information held on computers, in emails and in printed or handwritten documents as well as images, video and audio recordings.

What is the Privacy Act of Jamaica?

The Data Protection Act, 2020 (DPA), which seeks to protect Jamaicans’ privacy and personal information, was passed by the Senate on June 12, 2020, after being previously approved by the Lower House on May 19 of the same year.

What is the purpose of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act?

The purpose of the Privacy Act is to protect the privacy of individuals with respect to their personal information. This Act governs the federal government’s collection, retention, use and disclosure of that information. It also provides individuals with a right of access to their personal information.

What is the meaning of access to information?

Information access is the freedom or ability to identify, obtain and make use of database or information effectively.