Information is power, and the ability to access it freely, accurately and without obstruction is essential for any society that values human rights, justice and accountability. The right to information is the foundation upon which freedom of expression, civic participation and public oversight are built. Without it, people are left in the dark, unable to make informed decisions about their lives and unable to hold leaders accountable.

Recognized in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the right to information guarantees that every individual has the right to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. This right is closely tied to freedom of expression, but it also stands on its own as a distinct and vital element of open, transparent governance.

Governments have a duty to make information available, particularly when it concerns public interest. This includes access to laws, budgets, public spending, government contracts, environmental data and decisions made on behalf of the public. When this information is hidden or withheld, corruption thrives, abuses go unnoticed and citizens are denied the ability to participate fully in civic life. Secrecy, in such cases, becomes not a matter of national security, but a tool for avoiding accountability.

The right to information is especially important in societies struggling with poverty, inequality or marginalization. Access to information empowers communities to demand better services, challenge injustice and defend their rights. A farmer should know how public funds for agricultural subsidies are allocated. A parent should be able to see how a school budget is spent. A local health worker should know what resources are available for the clinic. Without this knowledge, people cannot claim what is rightfully theirs.

In many parts of the world, access to public information is guaranteed by freedom of information (FOI) laws. These laws provide mechanisms for citizens to request documents and records held by the government. However, the existence of such laws is not enough. They must be effectively implemented, widely understood and supported by a culture of openness. Far too often, bureaucratic hurdles, delays or excessive redactions frustrate genuine attempts to uncover the truth.

Technology has both expanded and complicated the right to information. On one hand, digital platforms allow for faster, broader dissemination of data than ever before. Governments can publish reports, statistics and public records online, increasing transparency and reach. Civil society organizations can analyze and share this information to empower communities and advocate for change.

On the other hand, the digital age has brought new challenges, such as information overload, disinformation and unequal access to the internet. The sheer volume of information available online can obscure as much as it reveals, making it harder for people to distinguish between verified facts and false narratives. This makes the right to information not only about access, but also about quality, reliability and media literacy.

Journalism plays a crucial role in realizing the right to information. Investigative reporting, public interest journalism and watchdog media help uncover abuses, inform citizens and spark dialogue. Yet in many countries, journalists face censorship, legal threats, imprisonment or violence for doing their job. Attacks on the press are, in effect, attacks on the public’s right to know. A free and independent media is not an enemy of the state; it is a guardian of the truth.

Another dimension of the right to information involves corporate transparency. In a globalized world where private companies wield immense influence, the public also has a right to know how businesses operate, especially when it affects labor rights, environmental standards or public health. Disclosure of supply chain practices, tax contributions and political lobbying is essential for holding corporations accountable to the societies they profit from.

Furthermore, the right to information is vital during elections. Voters must have access to accurate, comprehensive and timely information about political parties, candidates, campaign financing and electoral procedures. Without this, the legitimacy of governance is undermined.

Importantly, access to information must be universal. It must transcend barriers of literacy, language, disability and geography. Public information should be made available in formats that are understandable, accessible and usable by all segments of society, not just by legal experts or those with internet access. Inclusive access is what makes the right to information meaningful in practice, not just in principle.

In conclusion, the right to information is about trust. It is about building a society in which people are treated not as subjects to be governed, but as citizens to be respected. When governments are transparent, when the public is informed and when knowledge flows freely, societies become more resilient, equitable and just.

In a time when secrecy, manipulation and information warfare threaten public confidence and social cohesion, the right to information is more important than ever. It is not simply about documents and data; it is about truth, participation and the power of an informed public to shape its own future.