IPC endorses statement on transparency in the digital age from the International Conference of Information Commissioners

The Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario, Patricia Kosseim, has endorsed a statement issued at the 15th edition of the International Conference of Information Commissioners (ICIC), emphasizing the crucial role of access rights in promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen empowerment in the digital age.

Transparency and digital age: the information commissioner’s role and citizen empowerment stresses the fundamental need to protect access rights and freedoms globally, recognizing these as essential components of social, economic, and democratic governance.

“Access to government-held information is vital for empowering individuals to engage fully in democratic processes,” said Patricia Kosseim, Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario. “The ICIC statement highlights our collective commitment to advancing access rights on the international stage, emphasizing the need to safeguard these rights, and encouraging citizen engagement.”

Key commitments of the ICIC statement include:

• Promoting transparency and access to information (ATI) as a critical component of democratic governance and encouraging public awareness and engagement in protecting these rights
• Aligning with principles of transparency, accountability, open government, accessibility, and universality to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of regulatory bodies
• Inviting the public to actively participate in safeguarding ATI as a fundamental right and engaging in democratic processes
• Promoting collaboration and sharing of expertise among information commissioners to build capacity and address common challenges effectively

The ICIC statement also acknowledges the pivotal role of civil society and the media in advocating for ATI, improving transparency, and holding governments accountable. It also highlights the transformative potential of digital technologies in enhancing transparency while prioritizing privacy and ethical considerations.

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Transparency and digital age: the information commissioner’s role and citizen empowerment