Essay On Access To Information

815 Words4 Pages

Introduction This essay discusses the impact that access to information has on the public in this day and age. Political aspects such as laws that for as well as against access to information will be addressed and discussed. The actions that are taken against active whistle-blowers in providing access to information will be highlighted. The aim of this is to highlight contradictory facts and allegations concerning access to information. Access to information is increasingly easier and more accessible to the public as analytical views have advanced since post modernism. User generated information plays an active role in relation to the access to information today, as much of the information that is available to the public is generated by the public. This mass, constant generating of …show more content…

South Africa has an act of access to information that states that any individual may practise their constitutional right to access information that is owned by the state or any other person who is legally required. This law is put in place in such a manner that any individual may request access to personal records and third party information that involves the third party or is permitted by the third party. However the act cannot be used if it has any relation to criminal investigations and proceedings. This act is above any other act that prohibits access to information (South African Government and Services. Access to Information). In America access to information is not absolute; laws are put in place where some information may be withheld from being freely disclosed. These laws ensure public security, safety, order as well as the protection of public health, morals and rights. However these laws do not restrict access to information that is related to the exploitation of human right as well as crimes against humanity (Right2know online