By Indicator detail
Please find below the lists of indicators that have been used to analyse each law. You can click on each of them and you will get the result for that indicator in each country.
| Country | Description | Scoring instructions | Max score | Finding | Points | Article | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 3(5) Information request form is a printed or electronic sheet that is provided to the applicant, in accordance with this law, in order to provide details of his/her request for information. 6(1) The applicant shall request in writing or use the access to information form and refer to the relevant institution in order to request information. 6(2) The Information Request Form shall be prepared by the Commission and shall be made widely accessible to the public for free in both printed and electronic format. | |
| Albania | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 11(4) The information request should contain: (a) full name of the applicant; (b) postal or electronic address where the information is requested to be send; (c) description of the information required; (d) format in which the information is preferred; (e) any information that the applicant considers that might help identify the information required. | The requirements for making requests are basic and there is no need to use an official form. |
| Argentina | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | ARTÍCULO 9° — Solicitud de información. La solicitud de información debe ser presentada ante el sujeto obligado que la posea o se presuma que la posee, quien la remitirá al responsable de acceso a la información pública, en los términos de lo previsto en el artículo 30 de la presente ley. Se podrá realizar por escrito o por medios electrónicos y sin ninguna formalidad a excepción de la identidad del solicitante, la identificación clara de la información que se solicita y los datos de contacto del solicitante, a los fines de enviarle la información solicitada o anunciarle que está disponible. El sujeto que recibiere la solicitud de información le entregará o remitirá al solicitante una constancia del trámite | |
| Armenia | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 9(2) A written inquiry is registered and processed as defined by the relevant legislation of processing civilian’s applications and appeals, separately from other types of administration. (5) In case of oral inquiry, the applicant must in advance tell his name and last name. Oral inquiry is given an answer when: a) The disposal of the inquired information can prevent to state and public security, public order, public health and morals, other’s rights and freedoms, environment and person’s property. b) It is important to make sure that the given information holder has the relevant information. c) It is important to clarify the procedure according which the information holder processes the written inquiries. (6) The answer to the oral inquiry is given immediately after listening to the inquiry or within the shortest possible time frame. If the person making the oral inquiry is not telling his name, last name and/or the oral inquiry does not correspond to the conditions defined in the sub clauses a, b and c of the 5th clause of the following Article, then the information holder can decline the oral inquiry. | Only limited power to submit oral requests but otherwise easy |
| Austria | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 7 (1) Access to information may be requested in writing, orally or by telephone, in any technically possible and intended form. (2) The information must be described as precisely as possible. The applicant may be ordered to provide a written version of a request made orally or by telephone if the content or scope of the information requested is not sufficiently clear from the request... (4) The procedure concerning an application for information is an official procedure pursuant to Article I para. 2 no. 1 of the Introductory Act to the Administrative Procedure Acts 2008 - EGVG, Federal Law Gazette I No. 87/2008. 13(4) The application for information shall be submitted in writing and designated as an application pursuant to this Federal Act. The application shall specify the information requested. The identity of the applicant shall be substantiated in a suitable form. | Under 13(4), applications for information from private parties should be "designated" as being made under the Act. It's not clear if this means that the applicant has to specify this or if the entity receiving the request is responsible for this. Benefit of the doubt given. |
| Azerbaijan | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 3.0.6. information request - a written or oral request for information; 13.1. The requester submits the information request in the following way:13.1.1. verbally by contacting the official of the owner of the information directly or by telephone; 13.1.2. by submitting the request in person or by writing to the owner of the information by mail, fax or e-mail. | Broad means for submitting requests |
| Belgium | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Loi n° 94-1724, Article 5: "La consultation d'un document administratif, les explications y relative ou sa communication sous forme de copie ont lieu sur demande. La demande indique clairement la matière concernée, et si possible, les documents administratifs concernés, et est adressée par écrit à l'autorité administrative fédérale compétente, même si celleci a déposé le document aux archives." | The simply requires the request to indicate what is being sought. No additional limitations or formalities are imposed. |
| Belize | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | SECTION 12(1) A person who wishes to obtain access to a document of a Ministry or prescribed authority shall make a request in writing to the Ministry or prescribed authority for access to the document. | |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Article 11 Submission of a Request "1. A request for access to information shall be submitted to the public authority the requester believes is the competent authority. 2. A request for access to information shall: a. be in writing in one of the official languages of the Federation; b. provide sufficient detail as to the nature and/or contents of the information sought so as to enable the public authority exercising a reasonable effort to locate the requested information; and c. include the requester's name and address." | |
| Bulgaria | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 24(1) The request for granting access to public information shall be made in the form of a written application or verbal request. (2) The application is deemed written also in cases where it is send electronically subject to conditions determined by the respective body. (3) Where the applicant is not granted access to public information requested in oral form, or he/she considers the disclosed public information insufficient, he/she may file a written application. | |
| Cape Verde | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 6(1) Access to administrative documents is requested in writing, through an application that contains the essential elements for the identification of the applicant, namely, name, personal or collective identification data, contact and signature. (3) The requested entity may also accept verbal requests, and must do so in cases where the law expressly determines so, and proof of the formulation of the request must be delivered at the time. (4) The requested entity also accepts applications made electronically, provided they contain the essential elements referred to in number 1. | Not clear about whether you need to use the form. |
| China | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Article 29: Where citizens, legal persons, or other organizations apply to obtain government information, they shall be submitted to the open government information work bodies administrative organs in written forms including letters and electronic documents; where there is truly difficulty in using a written form, the applicant may make an oral submission, and the open government information work body accepting that application is to complete an application for open government information on their behalf. Applications for open government information shall include the following content: (1) The applicant's name [person or entity],proof of identification, and contact method; (2) The applied for government information's name, document number, or other characteristic descriptions conducive to the administrative organs inquiry. (3) Format requirements for applications to disclose government information, including the means and channels through which the information is to be received. 30 Where the government information content applied for is unclear, administrative organs shall give guidance and explanations, and inform the applicant once within 7 days of receiving the application to supplement it, explaining the matters that need to be supplemented and a reasonable time for supplementing. The response period for response is calculated from the date on which administrative organs receive supplemented applications。 Where the applicant exceeds the period for corrections without legitimate reason, it is viewed as forfeiting the application, and the administrative organs are no longer to handle the that open government information request. | |
| Costa Rica | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 11. Facilidades electrónicas. Cada institución del Estado deberá contar con un correo electrónico oficial y procura crear un formulario específico y accesible en la página electrónica institucional, con la finalidad de que sean utilizados como medios para formular y atender las solicitudes de información. . . | While institutions are required to create forms, the wording suggests that their use is not mandatory. The Constitutional Court has said that exercising the right under Article 30 of the Constitution must be allowed in verbal formal and not only in writing. Resolución n.° 14306-2012 del 12 de octubre del 2012 as excerpted at https://www.pgr.go.cr/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/Alcance_pep.pdf. It has also found that when the authority required the requester to specifically identity the document, this was improper. Res. 11523-2006, as excerpted at https://www.pgr.go.cr/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/TryAmite_de_solicitudes.pdf. It also has said that the use of a sole means of submitting requests is not allowable; any means should be permissible. Res. 6131-2010 as excerpted at https://www.pgr.go.cr/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/TryAmite_de_solicitudes.pdf |
| Croatia | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Art 18.1. and 2.: (1) The beneficiary shall exercise the right of access to information by submitting a spoken or written request to the competent body. (2) If the request has been submitted orally or over the telephone, an official note shall be drafted, and if the request has been made through electronic communication, it shall be considered a written request. | |
| Cyprus | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | "Article 8 (Right to be provided information) 8.-(1) Τηρουμένων των διατάξεων του εδαφίου (3) του άρθρου 9 και των άρθρων 11, 15 και 19, οποιοδήποτε πρόσωπο υποβάλλει γραπτή αίτηση για παροχή πληροφοριών σε δημόσια αρχή, έχει δικαίωμα - (α) Να πληροφορηθεί γραπτώς από τη δημόσια αρχή κατά πόσο η εν λόγω αρχή κατέχει ή όχι τις πληροφορίες που ζήτησε με την αίτησή του· και (β) σε περίπτωση που η δημόσια αρχή κατέχει τις εν λόγω πληροφορίες και αυτές είναι προσβάσιμες, να λάβει τις πληροφορίες αυτές: Νοείται ότι, σε περίπτωση που δημόσια αρχή παρέχει πληροφορίες σε αιτητή, όπως προβλέπεται στις διατάξεις της παραγράφου (β), τότε απαλλάσσεται από την υποχρέωση επιβεβαίωσης ή άρνησης κατοχής πληροφοριών που καθορίζεται στην παράγραφο (α). (2) Οι πληροφορίες για τις οποίες ο αιτητής δικαιούται πληροφόρηση δυνάμει των διατάξεων του εδαφίου (1) είναι οι πληροφορίες που κατέχει η δημόσια αρχή κατά το χρόνο που λαμβάνει την αίτηση, λαμβάνοντας υπόψη οποιαδήποτε τροποποίηση ή διαγραφή έχει πραγματοποιηθεί κατά το χρονικό διάστημα μεταξύ της λήψης της αίτησης και της παροχής των πληροφοριών δυνάμει των διατάξεων της παραγράφου (β) του εδαφίου (1), εφόσον η τροποποίηση ή η διαγραφή αυτή πραγματοποιήθηκε ανεξάρτητα από τη λήψη της αίτησης. (3) Για τους σκοπούς του παρόντος Νόμου, λογίζεται ότι δημόσια αρχή έχει πληροφορίες στην κατοχή της, αν οι πληροφορίες αυτές - (α) Βρίσκονται στην κατοχή της και δεν κατέχονται εκ μέρους τρίτου προσώπου· ή (β) κατέχονται για λογαριασμό της εν λόγω δημόσιας αρχής από τρίτο πρόσωπο" | Just in written form |
| Czech Republic | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Section 13 - Request for the provision of information "(1) The request for the provision of information may be submitted orally or in writing, including telecommunications media networks or services of electronic communications." | |
| Dominican Republic | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | ARTICLE 7. "La solicitud de acceso a la información debe ser planteada en forma escrita (...)" | |
| El Salvador | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | ARTICLE 66 Cualquier persona o su representante podrán presentar ante el Oficial de Información una solicitud en forma escrita, verbal, electrónica o por cualquier otro medio idóneo, de forma libre o en los formularios que apruebe el Instituto. La solicitud deberá contener: a. El nombre del solicitante, lugar o medio para recibir notificaciones, fax o correo electrónico, o la autorización para que se le notifique por cartelera, y en su caso los datos del representante. b. La descripción clara y precisa de la información pública que solicita. c. Cualquier otro dato que propicie su localización con objeto de facilitar la búsqueda. d. Opcionalmente, la modalidad en la que prefiere se otorgue el acceso a la información, ya sea mediante consulta directa, o que se expidan copias simples o certificadas u otro tipo de medio pertinente. En caso de que la solicitud sea verbal, deberá llenarse un formulario donde se haga constar la solicitud. Será obligatorio presentar documento de identidad. En caso de menores de dieciocho años de edad, se deberá presentar el respectivo carnet de identificación personal o, a falta de éste, cualquier documento de identidad emitido por entidades públicas u organismos privados. Si los detalles proporcionados por el solicitante no bastasen para localizar la información pública o son erróneos, el Oficial de Información podrá requerir, por una vez y dentro de los tres días hábiles siguientes a la presentación de la solicitud, que indique otros elementos o corrija los datos. Este requerimiento interrumpirá el plazo de entrega de la información. Si el interesado no subsana las observaciones en un plazo de cinco días desde su notificación, deberá presentar nueva solicitud para reiniciar el trámite. Si la solicitud es presentada ante una unidad administrativa distinta, ésta tendrá la obligación de indicar al solicitante la ubicación física del Oficial de Información. En ningún caso la entrega de información estará condicionada a que se motive o justifique su utilización, ni se requerirá demostrar interés alguno. Se deberá entregar al solicitante una constancia de que su solicitud ha sido interpuesta. | |
| Estonia | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 13. Manners of making requests for information "A person making a request for information shall make the request for information either: 1) orally, addressing a holder of information directly or by telephone, or 2) in writing, delivering a request for information personally or communicating it by post, fax or electronic mail." | |
| Finland | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | [Principles of Openness] Article 13(1) A request for access to an official document shall be sufficiently detailed, so that the authority can determine which document the request concerns. The person requesting access shall be assisted, by means of official diaries and indexes, to specify the document to which access is being requested. The person requesting access need not identify himself/herself nor provide reasons for the request, unless this is necessary for the exercise of the authority's discretion or for determining if the person requesting access has the right of access to the document (2) When requesting access to a secret document, a personal data filing system controlled by an authority or any other document, access to which can be granted only subject to certain conditions, the person requesting access shall, unless specifically otherwise provided, declare the use to which the information is to be put, as well as give the other details necessary for determining whether the conditions have been met and, where necessary. | No requirements are asked in order to obtain the information. |
| Gambia | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 12. (1) A person who wishes to access information under this Act may make a request in writing to the Information Officer of the concerned public body: (2) A request under sub-section (1) shall be accompanied by such reproduction cost as may be prescribed. (3) On receipt of a request, the Information Officer shall immediately provide a written acknowledgement of the request to the requester. (4) Subject to sub-sections (5)(b) and (c), a requester shall not be required to provide a justification or reason for requesting any information. (5) A request under sub-section (1) shall -- (a) provide such details concerning the information requested as are reasonably necessary to enable the Information Officer to identify the information. (b) if the requester believes that the information is necessary to safeguard the life or liberty of a person, include a statement to that effect, including the basis for that belief; (c) state the nature of the form in which the requester prefers access; and (d) if the request is made on behalf of another person, include an authorization from such person. | |
| Ghana | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 18 (1) An application to access information held by a public institution shall (a) be made in writing to the public institution; (b) contain sufficient description or particulars to enable the information to be identified, (c) indicate the form and manner of access required, (d) state the capacity of the applicant to the satisfaction of the information officer to whom the application is made, if the application is made on behalf of another person, (e) state the name of the applicant, an address to which a communication or notice can be sent, (f) provide identification of the applicant; and (g) be signed by the applicant. (2) Where an applicant is unable to make the application in writing due to illiteracy or a disability, the applicant may make the request orally. (3) Where a request is made orally under subsection (2), the request shall be reduced into writing by the information officer to whom the application is made, who shall give a copy of the written request as recorded and as duly authenticated to the applicant. (4) Where the applicant is illiterate, and the request has been reduced into writing, the information officer shall (a) clearly and correctly read and explain the written request to the understanding of the applicant in accordance with the Illiterates' Protection Act, 1912 (Cap 262); (b) ask a witness to endorse on the face of the request that "the request was read to the applicant in the language the applicant understands and the applicant appeared to have understood the content of the request"; and (c) ask the applicant to make a thumbprint or a mark on the request. (5) Where an application does not sufficiently describe the information required, the public institution to which the application is made shall so inform the applicant and offer the applicant the necessary assistance to identify the information. (6) Where a public institution receives an application for access, part of which is exempt, the information officer shall disclose to the applicant as much of the information as can reasonably be separated without disclosing the exempt part. (7) For the purposes of this section, the reference to "writing" in subsection (3) includes electronic form and "Braille". | Can make requests in writing or orally, and electronically and in Braille |
| Guatemala | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Artículo 35. Contra la negativa de entregar o corregir datos personales, procederá la interposición del recurso de revisión previsto en esta ley. | Article 35 provides a broad procedure. |
| Guinea | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 13. Tout citoyen peut formuler une demande d'accès à l'information auprès d'un organisme, conformément au modèle de formulaire préétabli mis à la disposition du public par l'institution concernée, ou sur papier libre contenant les mentions obligatoires prévues aux articles 14 et 16 de la présente loi....La transmission d'une demande d'acces a !'information se fait a travers un depot de la requete aupres de l'organisme concerne contre delivrance d'un recepisse, OU a defaut, par lettre recommandee OU par courrier electronique adresse a l'organisme, avec accuse de reception. | Requestors may use either an official form or formulate their requests on a "paper". Electronic requests are permitted so benefit of the doubt is given that the official form does not have to be used in electronic requests either. |
| Guyana | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 16(1) A person who wishes to obtain access to an official document shall make a request in the form - (a) set out in the Schedule; or (b) on the website of, or by other electronic means to, the Commissioner of Information. | 16(1) allows electronic requests. Form is required only for non-electronic requests. |
| Honduras | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 20. La solicitud de acceso a la información publica deberá presentarse por escrito o por medios electrónicos, indicándose con claridad los detalles específicos de la información solicitada, sin motivación ni formalidad alguna. Esta disposición no facultara al solicitante para copiar total o parcialmente las bases de datos. En caso de que el solicitante sea persona jurídica, deberá acreditar además de su existencia legal, el poder suficiente de quien actúa a nombre de esta. | Allows for requests in writing or through electronic means. The exact modalities could be clearer but full credit given. |
| Hungary | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Article 28(1) Requests for accessing data of public interest may be made verbally, submitted in writing or electronically by anyone. | |
| India | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Article 6(1) A person, who desires to obtain any in formation under this Act, shall make a request in writing or through electronic means in English or Hindi or in the official language of the area in which the application is being made, accompanying such fee as may be prescribed, to (a) the Central Public Information Officer or State Public Information Officer, as the case may be, of the concerned public authority; (b) the Central Assistant Public Information Officer or State Assistant Public Information Officer, as the case may be, specifying the particulars of the information sought by him or her: Provided that where such request cannot be made in writing, the Central Public Information Officer or State Public Information Officer, as the case may be, shall render all reasonable assistance to the person making the request orally to reduce the same in writing. (2) An applicant making request for information shall not be required to give any reason for requesting the information or any other personal details except those that may be necessary for contacting him. (3) Where an application is made to a public authority requesting for an information, (i) which is held by another public authority; or (ii) the subject matter of which is more closely connected with the functions of another public authority, the public authority, to which such application is made, shall transfer the application or such part of it as may be appropriate to that other public authority and inform the applicant immediately about such transfer: Provided that the transfer of an application pursuant to this sub-section shall be made as soon as practicable but in no case later than five days from the date of receipt of the application. | Article 6 in writing or electronically or orally with a minimum of required procedure. |
| Indonesia | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 22(1) Every Public Information Applicant may submit a request to obtain Public Information to the relevant Public Agency in writing or otherwise. (2) The Public Agency shall record the name and address of the Public Information Applicant, the subject and format of the information as well as the method to deliver the information that is required by the Public Information Applicant. (3) The Public Agency concerned shall record in written the request for Public Information that is submitted other than in writing. (4) The relevant Public Agency shall provide a receipt in the form of registration number for the request for Public Information as referred to in paragraph (1) and paragraph (3) upon the receipt of the request. (5) In the event that the request is submitted personally or by electronic letter, the registration number is given upon receipt of the request. (6) In the event that the request is submitted by letter, the registration number may be sent along with the information. (7) No later than 10 (ten) working days from the receipt of the request, the Public Agency concerned shall provide a written notification to the applicant that contains: (a) as to whether the required information are under its authority or not; (b) the entitled Public Agency where the required information can be obtained, in the case that the required information are not under its authority and the Public Agency knows which Public Agency held such information; (c) the acceptance or refusal of a request for the reason as stated and referred to in Article 17; (d) in the event that the request is accepted entirely or partly, the Public Agency shall state the subject of the information can be obtained; (e) in the event that a document contains exempt information as referred to in Article 17, such exempt information may be blackened with the reason and the subject thereof; (f) means to submit and the format of the information to be supplied; and/or (g) the cost and the payment method to obtain the required information. (8) The Public Agency concerned may extend the period to dispatch the notification as referred to in paragraph (7) to no later than 7 (seven) working days thereafter, with the reason therefore in writing. (9) Subsequent provisions on the method and procedure to request information to the Public Agency are regulated by the Information Commission. | Requests can be submitted in writing or otherwise. |
| Israel | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | N/A | 7(a) of the Freedom of Information Act requires only that an information request must be submitted in writing and does not require the applicant to provide a reason for the request or to state that the request is under the Freedom of Information Act. The request may be submitted by any means of communications (letter, e-mail. Fax). |
| Italy | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Article 5(3) The exercise of the right referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 is not subject to any restriction as far as the applicants' credentials are concerned. The application for public access shall specify which data, information or documents are requested giving no reason in relation thereto. The application may be sent either electronically in accordance with the modalities set out in Legislative Decree n. 82 of 7 March 2005 as subsequently modified, or directly to one of the following offices: (a) the office holding the data, information or documents; (b) the public relation office; (c) any other office indicated by the administration in the section "Transparent Administration" of its institutional website (d) the person in charge of preventing corruption and guaranteeing transparency, if the application concerns data, information or documents the publication of which, pursuant to this decree, is mandatory. | |
| Jamaica | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Article 7(2) An application under subsection (1) - (a) may be made in writing or transmitted by telephone or other electronic means; (b) shall provide such information concerning the document as is reasonably necessary to enable the public authority to identify it. | 7(2) - Writing, telephone or electronic means. |
| Japan | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 4 (Procedure for Disclosure Request) (1) A request for disclosure pursuant to the provision of the preceding Article (hereinafter referred to as a "Disclosure Request.") shall be made by submitting a document describing the matters listed in the following items (hereinafter referred to as the "Written Disclosure Request.") to the head of an Administrative Organ. (i) Name and domicile or residence of the person making the Disclosure Request, and the name of a representative in the case of a juridical person or other entities. (ii) Name of the Administrative Documents or other matters sufficient for specifying the Administrative Documents pertaining to the Disclosure Request. (...) | |
| Kazakhstan | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 1 The following definitions are used in this law: [...] (12) request - an application in an oral or written form, including an electronic document, requesting an access to information, verbalized or addressed to an information holder in accordance with the order stipulated by this Law. 11(3) A request can be made in an oral or written form, including electronically. [...] | |
| Kenya | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 8(1) An application to access information shall be made in writing in English or Kiswahili and the applicant shall provide details and sufficient particulars for the public officer or any other official to understand what information is being requested. [...] (4) an application to access information, but any such form shall not be such as to unreasonably delay requests or place an undue burden upon applicants and no application may be rejected on the ground only that the applicant has not used the prescribed form. | |
| Kosovo | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 10(2) Requests for access to public documents shall be submitted in any manner which allows the public institution to identify whether it possesses the requested public document. (3) The request may be made in person, in writing, electronically or orally. As far as practicable, the request shall also contain the preferred form of the applicant to access to public documents. (9) Formalities for the requests shall not go beyond what is necessary and reasonable in order to process the request. | |
| Kyrgyzstan | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 16.3. Information holders are obliged to develop a standard form of written (electronic) request and provide access to them in their premises, as well as online - on the relevant website or application. 16.4.The applicant has the right, at his discretion, to use the approved form of the standard form, or to submit a request in a free form, taking into account the requirements provided for in part 1 of this article. 38.2. The function of providing information to persons requesting information shall be defined in the regulations on the relevant public sector entity. 38.5. The rules for the execution of requests for information shall be established by public sector entities in accordance with this Law. 38.6. The rules specified in part 5 of this article shall contain the name and mode of operation of the relevant organizations, services, subdivisions or information about officials who are responsible for ensuring access to information; categories of information provided, types of services related to its provision (including the procedure for access to automated information systems), the procedure for payment for services and other conditions of access. | No requirement to use an official form but it is not as clear as it could be that requests may be either written or electronic. 15.2 refers to "written or electronic" requests, but elsewhere the law refers to "written (electronic)" requests. |
| Liberia | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 3.3: "Description of information Requested: Every request shall describe the information requested with reasonable details that would enable the public authority or private entity easily identify the information. Additional specification of the information may be provided by the requester by any means and at any time, including in responses to questions from personnel of the authority or entity." 3.4: "Form of Request: Request for information may be filed in writing, by electronic mail, or orally in person, or by any alternative means." | |
| Liechtenstein | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Article 32 (law), article 7 (regulation). | Request has to be in written form, including reason (law). Request has to entail most precisely description on information and documents sought. If not precisely enough, authorities can request more precise information. If still not clear enough request can be canceled by authority which can lead to costs for requester. |
| Lithuania | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Law of the Republic of Lithuania on the Right to Obtain Information From State and Municipal Institutions and Agencies Article 12. Submitting a Request "<...> 2. Requests may be immediately submitted by an applicant at the institution or sent by post, courier service or electronic means provided that it is possible to identify the applicant. Requests, except oral, shall be registered, processed and recorded according to the procedure established by laws and other legal acts.<...>" | |
| Luxembourg | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | A4(1): La demande de communication d’un document doit revêtir une forme écrite. Elle doit être formulée de façon suffisamment précise et contenir les éléments permettant d’identifier un document. Les demandes peuvent être formulées librement ou sur base de formulaires types qui sont mis à la disposition du demandeur par les organismes visés à l’article 1 er, paragraphe 1 er. | A5 also makes it clear that requests may be made electronically. |
| Malawi | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 18(1) A request for information may be made orally or in writing, and shall be addressed to an information officer: Provided that an illiterate and indigent person, or a minor may request a third party to obtain the information on his behalf from an information holder. (2) Where an applicant makes an oral request for information, the information officer shall reduce the oral application into writing, which shall then be read to the understanding of the applicant to secure his consent that the content of the written document fully represents the content of his oral request for information made to the said official, after which, a copy of the written request for information shall be provided to the applicant for his record, and the original shall be kept by the information holder. (3) The request for information shall provide sufficient details to enable the information officer to identify the person making the request. (4) For purposes of subsection (1), a request for information shall also be treated as made in writing where the text of the request is– (a) transmitted by electronic means; (b) received in legible form; and (c) capable of being used for subsequent reference. | |
| Malta | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Art. 6."(1) An applicant's request to a public authority in terms of article 3 shall - (a) be delivered in writing, including by post or electronically, subject to paragraph (e), to an office of the public authority; and (b) provide such information concerning the document as is reasonably necessary to enable a responsible officer of the public authority to identify it; and (c) include a copy of the applicant's legally valid identification document or residence permit, or make reference to a legally valid identification document or residence permit in such a way as may be specified by regulations issued under article 4(a); (d) specify a postal address at which notices under this Act may, if necessary, be sent to the applicant; and (e) be accompanied by any fee payable in accordance with article 9(3)." | |
| Mexico | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Article 21. All proceedings concerning the right of access to information must be substantiated in a simple and expeditious manner, in accordance with the rules of this Act. Article 122. Any person by himself or through his representative may request access to information with the Transparency Unit, through the National Platform, at the office or offices designated for this purpose, via email, mail, courier, telegraph, verbally or by any means approved by the National System. | |
| Mongolia | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 11.2. Any official of the organization, specified in the article 3.1 of this law, with mandate to receive a request for information from the citizen and legal entity is prohibited to make any other requirements not specified in this law. 15.1. A citizen and legal entity may request to receive information in an electronic form. 15.2. In the event the request is made to receive information in an electronic form, citizen and legal entity shall prepare electronic document and include digital signature, a number of its own national ID or equivalent document and send the information through e-mail. | Relatively straightforward - no onerous requirements. 15.1 allows electronic requests but need digital signature which is not necessary |
| Montenegro | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Article 11: "The procedure for access to the information shall be initiated upon the request of any person that requires such access. Any request for access to information shall be submitted to a relevant government agency in writing, whereas directly or by mail or by e-mail. There shall be no dues payable for any request for access to the information." | |
| Netherlands | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Section 3, Paragraph 2: \"The applicant shall specify the administrative matter or the document relevant to it about which he wishes information.\" | No requirements besides the identification of the pretended document. |
| New Zealand | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | N/A | Requests may be submitted by any means of communication and there is no requirement to use an official form or to state that the request is made pursuant to the OIA. See OQR Vol 8, iss 2, December 2002 page 3: "Requests under the Official Information Act (OIA) do not need to be in writing. An oral request is just as valid." |
| Nicaragua | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Artículo 26.- Los interesados ejercerán su derecho de solicitud de acceso a la información pública, ante la entidad que la posea de forma verbal, escrita o por medio electrónico, cuando las entidades correspondientes dispongan de la misma electrónicamente; la entidad registrará en un formulario las características de la solicitud y entregará una copia del mismo al interesado, con los datos que exige la presente Ley. | Art 26 - clear and flexible procedure. |
| North Macedonia | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Art 15. "(1) The request for access to information shall be submitted by the requester to the information holder. (2) As for a request mentioned in paragraph (1) hereunder submitted in electronic form, the provisions of the present Law and of other laws shall apply." | |
| Norway | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Section 28. (Request for access): "Requests for access may be made orally or in writing. A request for access must relate to a specific case or within reasonable limits to cases of a specific type.<...>" | |
| Pakistan | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 11(2) A request under sub-section (1) shall be in writing and made in any manner in which the public body has the facilities to receive it, including in person, by mail, fax, online or e-mail; (3) Any written request which identifies the information or record sought in sufficient detail to enable the public body to locate it, and which includes a complete address and contact details for delivery of the information or record, shall be treated as a request; (4) Subject to sub-section (3), a public body may provide a prescribed form for making requests | |
| Paraguay | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Article 12 Form and content. Anyone interested in access to public information, must submit an application to the corresponding office established in the public source, in person, by email, in writing or orally, and in the latter case, a certificate will be issued. The submission shall contain the identification of the applicant, his royal residence, clear and precise description of public information required, and finally, the preferred format or support, without this constituting an obligation for required. | |
| Poland | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 10(1) Public information, which was not made available in the Public Information Bulletin, is made available on the petition. 10(2) Public information, which can be immediately made available, is made available in the oral or written form without a written petition. | No details listed in order to request information. |
| Portugal | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Art 13.1: Access to documents shall be requested in writing in the form of an application which shall contain such elements as are essential to the identification of the documents in question, together with the applicant's name, address and signature. | |
| Romania | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Article 6: "(1) Any individual has the right to request and obtain from public authorities and institutions, under the conditions of the present law, information of public interest. (2) Public authorities and institutions are obliged to provide the persons, at their request, with the public interest information requested, in written or verbal form. (3) The written request of public interest information shall contain the following elements: a) the public authority or institution to which the application is addressed; b) the requested information so as to enable the public authority or institution to identify public interest information; c) name, surname and signature of the applicant, as well as the address where the response is requested. Article 7(3) "Requesting and obtaining information of public interest can be made, if the necessary technical conditions are met, also in electronic format." | The law implies that information shall be offered in the requested format - additionally, law 448/2006 imposes this interpretation. |
| Russia | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Article 6: (Methods of Providing Access to Information on the Activities of Government Bodies and Bodies Of Local Self-Government): Access to information on the activities of government bodies and bodies of local self-government can be provided through the following methods: [...] (6) granting to information users, at their request, information on the activities of, government bodies and bodies of local self-government. Article 7(1): (Form for Granting Information on the Activities of Government Bodies and Bodies of Local Self-Government): Information on the activities of government bodies and bodies of local self-government can be granted in oral form and in the form of documented information, including in the form of the electronic document. Article 18(3): (Request for Information on the Activities of Government Bodies and Bodies of Local Self-Government): In drafting the request, the official language of the Russian Federation must be used. In drafting a request to the government body or body of local self-government of a republic that is part of the Russian Federation, use of the official language of this republic is determined by the legislation of such republic. Article 19(1): (Procedure for Granting Information on the Activities of Government Bodies and Bodies of Local Self-Government by Request): Information on the activities of government bodies and bodies of local self-government is granted by request in the form of response to the request, which contains the requested information or to which the requested information is attached, or which according to Article 20 of the present Federal Law contains a justified refusal to grant the above-specified information. | |
| Rwanda | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Article 9: Information shall be requested by an individual or a group of persons in any of the official languages provided for by the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda verbally, in writing, by telephone, internet or any other means of communication without prejudice to the provisions of this Law. The person applying for information shall determine the means in which he/she wants to obtain information. However, if the means chosen for obtaining the information requested exceeds the capacity of the requested organ, the applicant shall bear the cost. | Art 9 - any language of Rwanda, any means of communication. |
| San Marino | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 10. 1. Any request addressed to the Public Administration must be presented or sent in writing, unless special provisions establish a different form, to the relevant body to issue the measure. 2. Unless the law requires the preparation of a specific report, the petitions shall be noted and a receipt issued directly to the petitioner or by registered mail with return receipt, if the petition is sent by regular mail. 3. No receipt shall be issued: (a) when the action requested is issued immediately; (b) when the application is served by a judicial officer. 4. When the application has been sent in the form and manner referred to in paragraph 5, the issuance of a receipt is not mandatory. 5. Unless the law provides otherwise, the dispatch of the applications referred to in paragraph 1 may be carried out by mail, by registered letter with advice of receipt or by telematic means or by fax, according to the laws in force. Dispatch by telematic means is equivalent to dispatch by post if it is carried out in accordance with the methods and forms referred to in article 3 of Law no. 115 of July 20, 2005, taking account of Decree no. 156 of September 8, 2005 and in any case in accordance with the regulations in force regarding transmission by telematic means. | |
| Serbia | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 15 Paragraph 1: An applicant shall submit a request in writing to a public authority to exercise the right to access information of public importance. Paragraph 5: If the request does not contain data in Para 2 of this Article, i.e. if the request is deficient, the authorized person of the public authority shall be obliged to instruct the applicant free of charge how to rectify the deficiencies in the request, i.e. to give the applicant instructions on supplements. | No official forms asked in order to obtain the pretended information. No requirement to state request under RTI law. |
| Sierra Leone | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 3. (1) A request for information under section 2 shall (a) be made in writing; (b) describe the information requested; and (c) provide an address, which may be an email, for purposes of correspondence. (2) For the purposes of paragraph (a) of subsection (1), a request shall be deemed to be made in writing where the text of the request (a) is transmitted by electronic means; (b) is received in legible form; and (c) is capable of being used for subsequent reference. (3) An application to access information shall be made in English or Krio by email, fax, post, telephone or by any other medium provided that the applicant provides (a) contact details; and (b) sufficient particulars for the public information officer or any other official to understand what information is being requested... (8) A public authority may determine the form for requests for information, but the form shall not be such as to unreasonably delay requests or place an undue burden upon applicants; and no application may be rejected on the ground only that the applicant has not used the prescribed form. | |
| Slovakia | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Disclosure of Information Request Section 14 Request for disclosure of information: \"(1) The request may be filed in writing, orally, by fax , e-mail or in any other technically reasonable way.\" | |
| Slovenia | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Art. 12 "The applicant requests access to public information by way of written request for access to or the re-use of public information, he can also issue an informal request." | |
| South Korea | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 10(1) Any person who intends to make a request for disclosing information (hereinafter referred to as the "applicant") may submit a written request for disclosing information containing the following information or make an oral request for information disclosure to any public institution that holds or manages the relevant information: 1. The name, resident registration number, address, and contact details (referring to telephone numbers and e-mail addresses, etc.) of the applicant; 2. Details of the information, the disclosure of which is requested by the applicant and methods for disclosing the information. (2) When any applicant makes an oral request for disclosing information under paragraph (1), the relevant applicant shall state his/her request before any public official or any officer and employee who are all in charge of information disclosure (hereinafter referred to as "public officials, etc. in charge"), and the public officials, etc. in charge shall make an information disclosure request record and then both the public officials, etc. in charge and the applicant shall subscribe their name and affix their seal thereon or sign it. (3) Matters necessary for methods of making a request for information disclosure, in addition to matters prescribed in paragraphs (1) and (2), shall be prescribed by the National Assembly Regulations, the Supreme Court Regulations, the Constitutional Court Regulations, the National Election Commission Regulations, and Presidential Decree. PD 5(3) A public institution shall prepare a request form for information disclosure, computer terminal, etc. for the convenience of the applicant. 6(1): A written application for information disclosure under Article 10 (1) of the Act shall be submitted by physical presence at public institutions, by mail, facsimile, or information and communications network. | |
| Sri Lanka | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Section 24. (1) Any citizen who is desirous of obtaining any information under this Act shall make a request in writing to the appropriate information officer, specifying the particulars of the information requested for: Provided that where any citizen making a request under this subsection is unable due to any reason to make such request in writing, such citizen shall be entitled to make the request orally and it shall be the duty of the appropriate information officer to reduce such request to writing on behalf of the citizen. Section 24(6) For the purpose of this section writing includes writing done through electronic means; | |
| Sweden | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Chapter 2, Article 12, Paragraph 1: "An official document to which the public has access shall be made available on request forthwith, or as soon as possible, at the place where it is held, and free of charge, to any person wishing to examine it, in such form that it can be read, listened to, or otherwise comprehended. A document may also be copied, reproduced, or used for sound transmission. If a document cannot be made available without disclosure of such part of it as constitutes classified material, the rest of the document shall be made available to the applicant in the form of a transcript or copy." | |
| Switzerland | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Art. 11 (Consultation): "1. Should an application be made for access to official documents which contain personal data, and which the authority is considering granting, it shall consult the person concerned and afford him the opportunity to submit comments within ten days. 2. The authority shall then inform such consulted person of the position it intends to take concerning the application for access. " | |
| Taiwan | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 10 Each person who requests the government agency to provide the government information shall submit a written application specifying the following matters: 1. Name, date of birth, ID number, address and telephone number of the applicant. Where the applicant is a legal person or group, the name, registered number and business location. Where the applicant is a foreigner, foreign legal person or group, the nationality, passport number and related certifications shall also be specified. 2. Where the applicant having a legal agent or representative, the name, date of birth, and domicile. 3. The gist of content and number of the requested government information. 4. The purpose of requesting the government information. 5. Date of application. The request referred to in paragraph 1 may be made by mail. The request may be made in the form of electronic transmission after authenticated by a certification authority of electronic signature. 5. Date of application. The request referred to in paragraph 1 may be made by mail. The request may be made in the form of electronic transmission after authenticated by a certification authority of electronic signature. | Procedure is relatively straightforward, and allows requests by mail or electronically. |
| Tajikistan | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 7(5) allows requests to be made through any media. | |
| Tanzania | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Section 10(1) A request for access to information shall be made in a prescribed form and addressed to the information holder; Section 10(3) For purposes of subsection (1), a request shall be treated as made in writing where the text of the request (a) is delivered by hand, postal, or transmitted by electronic means; (b) is received in legible form in the manner prescribed in the regulations; and (c) is capable of being used for subsequent reference | Need to provide name and address. Regulation 6 suggests otherwise but it cannot override the Act and also the Request Form calls for this information. |
| Tunisia | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Art. 9 - Toute personne physique ou morale peut présenter une demande écrite d’accès à l’information conformément à un modèle préétabli, mis à la disposition du public par l’organisme concerné ou sur papier libre contenant les mentions obligatoires prévues aux articles 10 et 12 de la présente loi. | Other provisions make it clear that electronic requests are allowed. |
| Turkey | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Article 6: "The application for the access to information is made through a petition that includes the name, surname, residence or the work address of the applicant and the signature; where the applicant is a company, its title and the address, and the signature of the authorised person together with a certificate of authorisation, to the institution that possesses the information or the document.[...]. The information and the document that is required must be specified in the petition." | |
| Uganda | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 11. Form of request. (1) A request for access to a record or information shall be in writing in the prescribed form to the information officer of the public body in control of the record or information required and shall provide sufficient details to enable an experienced employee of the body to identify the record or information. (2) The form for a request of access prescribed under subsection (1) shall require the person requesting access - (a) to provide sufficient particulars to enable the information officer to identify - (i) the record or records requested; and (ii) the person requesting the information; (b) to indicate which applicable form of access referred to in section 20(2) is required; (c) to specify the address of the person requesting the information; and (d) if the request is made on behalf of a person, to state the capacity in which the person requesting the information is making the request. (3) A person who, because of illiteracy or disability is unable to make a request for access in accordance with subsection (1) may make that request orally. (4) The information officer of a public body to whom an oral request is made under subsection (3) shall reduce the request to writing in the prescribed form and shall provide a copy of the written request to the person requesting access. Reg. 3 Request. (1) A request for access to a record shall be in Form 1 set out in Schedule 2. (2) A public body may provide the form referred to in subregulation (1) in electronic format. (...) (8) The information officer shall not refuse to grant a request for access to record based solely on the ground that the request was not in the prescribed form. Reg. 4 Electronic requests. (1) Where practicable, the requester may send the request for a record by email or in other electronic form. (2) Where the request for a record is made in electronic form, the information officer shall print and file the request. | Procedure in section 11 is simple enough. Oral requests are allowed by 11(3), and electronic requests are mentioned in Regs 3(2) and 4. |
| Ukraine | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 19.3 Information request may be individual or collective. Requests may be submitted orally, in writing or in other form (by mail, fax, phone, e-mail) as chosen by the requester. 19.4 A written request may be submitted in any form. | |
| United Kingdom | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | Section 8: "(1) In this Act any reference to a "request for information" is a reference to such a request which-- (a) is in writing, b) states the name of the applicant and an address for correspondence, and (c) describes the information requested. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1)(a), a request is to be treated as made in writing where the text of the request-- (a) is transmitted by electronic means, (b) is received in legible form, and (c) is capable of being used for subsequent reference." Section 11: "(1) Where, on making his request for information, the applicant expresses a preference for communication by any one or more of the be made. following means, namely-- (a) the provision to the applicant of a copy of the information in permanent form or in another form acceptable to the applicant, (b) the provision to the applicant of a reasonable opportunity to inspect a record containing the information, and (c) the provision to the applicant of a digest or summary of the information in permanent form or in another form acceptable to the applicant, the public authority shall so far as reasonably practicable give effect to that preference. (2) In determining for the purposes of this section whether it is reasonably practicable to communicate information by particular means, the public authority may have regard to all the circumstances, including the cost of doing so. (3) Where the public authority determines that it is not reasonably practicable to comply with any preference expressed by the applicant in making his request, the authority shall notify the applicant of the reasons for its determination. (4) Subject to subsection (1), a public authority may comply with a request by communicating information by any means which are reasonable in the circumstances." | |
| Uzbekistan | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 9(1) Every individual has a right, directly or through his representatives, to submit a written or oral application for obtaining information. 9(2) A written application shall contain the name, patronymics, family name, and address of the applicant (for a juridical person – his requisites) and the identification of the information applied for and its features. Applications shall be registered in accordance with the established procedure. | Can make oral and written applications and the latter appears to include electronic requests. The latter is explicit in the 2014 Law. |
| Vanuatu | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 2 | 13(2) An application made under subsection (1) may be made in writing, orally or through any electronic means, in any official language, and to the relevant Government agency, relevant private entity or private entity, specifying the information required. (3) A Government agency or a relevant private entity must not deny access to information based on: (a) any of the applicants reasons as to why the application is being made; or (b) any opinion of an official as to the applicant’s reason for applying. (4) An application under subsection (1) is to include the following information: (a) a postal address, fax number or email address to which the information may be sent; and (b) a telephone number at which the applicant may be reached; and (c) the form of access required in accordance with section 28; and (d) the language in which the information granted is to be supplied; and (e) an indication of whether the application is being made on behalf of a person and the submission of proof of the capacity in which the applicant is making the application, to the reasonable satisfaction of the Right to Information Officer; and (f) if the application is being made to a private entity - an explanation of why the information may assist in the exercise or protection of any right; and (g) an indication of whether the applicant believes that the information is necessary to safeguard the life or liberty of himself or herself or any other person, and the basis for that belief. (5)If an applicant makes an application orally, the Right to Information Officer must reproduce that oral application into written form and provide a copy to the applicant. (6)If a Right to Information Officer is able to provide an immediate response to an oral application and the response is to the satisfaction of the applicant, the Right to Information Officer must subsequently reduce the application to writing for documentation purposes. | - |
| Andorra | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | "Article 13. Application for access and reasons for non-admission 1. The request for access is addressed to the responsible entity that has the information. When it comes to in possession of any of the subjects referred to in points (e) and (f) of Article 3.1, the application shall be addressed to the public entity to which they are linked. 2. The application may be submitted by any means and must be registered in order to be available evidence of: a) The identity and contact information, preferably electronic, of the applicant. b) The information subject to the request for access without the need to indicate any document or file concrete. c) Where applicable, the preferred method of accessing the requested information." "Article 13. Sol·licitud d’accés i causes d’inadmissió 1. La sol·licitud d’accés es dirigeix a l’entitat responsable que disposa de la informació. Quan es tracti d’informació en possessió d’algun dels subjectes previstos a les lletres e) i f) de l’article 3.1, la sol·licitud es dirigeix a l’entitat pública a la qual estiguin vinculades. 2. La sol·licitud pot presentar-se a través de qualsevol mitjà i ha de ser registrada per tal que permeti tenir constància de: a) La identitat i la informació de contacte, preferentment electrònica, de la persona sol·licitant. b) La informació objecte de la sol·licitud d’accés sense necessitat d’indicar cap document ni expedient concrets. c) En el seu cas, la modalitat preferida per accedir a la informació sol·licitada." | 1 = Each agency must be contacted and does not mention a platform that unifies the requests, which means that each agency decides which method to implement. |
| Angola | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | N/A | |
| Australia | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | 15 Requests for access (2) The request must: (a) be in writing; and (aa) state that the request is an application for the purposes of this Act; and (b) provide such information concerning the document as is reasonably necessary to enable a responsible officer of the agency, or the Minister, to identify it; and (c) give details of how notices under this Act may be sent to the applicant (for example, by providing an electronic address to which notices may be sent by electronic communication). 15 (2A) The request must be sent to the agency or Minister. The request may be sent in any of the following ways: (a) delivery to an officer of the agency, or a member of the staff of the Minister, at the address of any central or regional office of the agency or Minister specified in a current telephone directory; (b) postage by pre‑paid post to an address mentioned in paragraph (a); (c) sending by electronic communication to an electronic address specified by the agency or Minister. | 15(2)(a) - requests must be in writing, but 15(2A) provides a relatively clear and simple procedure. However, 15(2)(aa) requires applicants to cite the Act. |
| Bahamas | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | Section 7. Application for access. (1) A person who wishes to obtain access to a record shall make an application to the public autority which holds the record, in the form and manner as may be prescribed. (2) An application under subsection (1)— (a) shall be made in writing addressed to the information manager and may be transmitted by way of facsimile or electronic mail; and (b) shall provide such information concerning the record as is reasonably necessary to enable the public authority to identify it. | The law allows for a particular form to be prescribed for making requests. |
| Bangladesh | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | 8: "Request for Information.- (1) Under this Act a person may apply to the officer-in-charge requesting for information either in writing or through electronic means or through e-mail. (2) The request made under sub-section (1) shall include the following information, namely: - (i) name, address of the person making request, in applicable cases, his fax number and email address; (ii) correct and clear description of the information sought for; (iii) other related information so that the location of the information sought for may be easily found out; (iv) description of the modes how he wants to have the information, that is making inspection, having copy, taking note or any other approved method. (3) The request for information under this section shall be made in a form printed by the authority, or as the case may be, in prescribed format: Provided that if the form is not printed or is not easily available or if the format has not yet been prescribed, request may be made for information by inserting information mentioned in sub-section (2) on a piece of white paper, or in electronic form or through e-mail. (4) In the case of obtaining information under sub-section (1), the person making the request shall pay reasonable fees as may be prescribed by the officer- in-charge for such information. (5) The Government may, in consultation with the Information Commission, fix the fees for having any information by notification in the official Gazette, and, if necessary, may fix the price of information, or as the case may be, may exempt an individual or a class of individuals or any other class from paying such price. (6) Every authority shall prepare and publicize a list of information to be supplied free of cost upon an instruction of the Information Commission;" | Procedure is relatively clear - Art 8 allows electronic requests but not oral requests. Also requirement to use a prescribed form. |
| Benin | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | 78: Tout citoyen qui veut obtenir un renseignement ou un document auprès d’un organisme public en formule la demande. Cette demande est écrite ou verbale. Lorsqu’il s’agit d’une consultation sur place, la demande verbale est assortie d’un écrit. | Refers to written or verbal but not much detail. |
| Bolivia | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | 11(I) The petitioners, duly identified, will request the information verbally or in writing to the Information Unit established for this purpose. | No requirement to use a form but limited references to means of making requests. |
| Brazil | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | Article 10. The request for access, which may be performed by any person, shall be submitted by any legitimate means to bodies and entities referred to under Article 1 of this Law, and shall include the applicant's identification and specification of the requested information. Article 10. The SIC shall be set up in an identified physical structure, of easy access and open to the public. Paragraph 2. In case the decentralized unit does not hold the requested information, the request shall be forwarded to the SIC of its respective central public body or entity, which shall then provide the applicant with a file number and its filing date, from which the time frame for response shall be counted. Article 11. Any individual or legal entity is entitled to formulate an access to information request. Paragraph 4. In the situation provided for in Paragraph 3, the applicant shall be informed about the file number of his request as well as its filing date at the SIC, term from which the time frame for response shall be counted. | Art 10 "Any legitimate means": is a bit vague, but requirement in 10 Para 2 for agencies to facilitate alternative means of requesting, including internet, reinforces the need for flexibility. Regulations further clarify flexibility in the manner of requesting, but 11(4) requires the use of a specific form. |
| Burkina Faso | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | Article 13 : La demande d'accès à l’information ou aux documents administratifs est écrite ou verbale. Elle est adressée au responsable du service chargé de l'accès à l’information publique et aux documents administratifs au sein de l'organisme de service public. | Both written and oral but not clear on how to make the request. |
| Canada | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | N/A | Procedures for request differ between agencies, though the regs go some way to spelling out procedure. |
| Chile | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | ARTICLE 12. La solicitud de acceso a la información será formulada por escrito o por sitios electrónicos y deberá contener: a) Nombre, apellidos y dirección del solicitante y de su apoderado, en su caso. b) Identificación clara de la información que se requiere. c) Firma del solicitante estampada por cualquier medio habilitado. d) Órgano administrativo al que se dirige. Si la solicitud no reúne los requisitos señalados en el inciso anterior, se requerirá al solicitante para que, en un plazo de cinco días contado desde la respectiva notificación, subsane la falta, con indicación de que, si así no lo hiciere, se le tendrá por desistido de su petición. El peticionario podrá expresar en la solicitud, su voluntad de ser notificado mediante comunicación electrónica para todas las actuaciones y resoluciones del procedimiento administrativo de acceso a la información, indicando para ello, bajo su responsabilidad, una dirección de correo electrónico habilitada. En los demás casos, las notificaciones a que haya lugar en el procedimiento se efectuarán conforme a las reglas de los artículos 46 y 47 de la ley N°19.880, sobre Bases de los Procedimientos Administrativos. | Art 12 - Procedure is relatively clear - requests may be made in writing or electronically, but not orally or by mail. |
| Colombia | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | Law 1437 ARTICLE 16 . CONTENTS OF REQUESTS All requests shall contain, at least: The designation of the authority that goes. The full names of the applicant and his representative agent, if any, indicating their identity and the address where you receive mail. The petitioner may add the fax number or email address. If the petitioner is a private person required to be registered in the commercial register, you will be required to indicate your email address. The object of the request. The grounds on which bases its request. The relationship of the requirements of the law and the documents to be submitted to begin the process. The signature of the petitioner as the case may be. PARAGRAPH. Authority has an obligation to fully consider the request, and in any case deemed incomplete for lack of requirements or documents that are not within the existing legal framework and which are not necessary to resolve it. | According to the law, they can just show up in the public institutions and request to consult or copy any document orally or in written, but law 1437 requires users to state that the request is made under the RTI law. The conflict costs a point. |
| Ethiopia | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | N/A | The requester is expected to make his/her request in writing or in electronic format and use a prescribed format of the organization. |
| Georgia | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | Article 37 – Request for public information 1. Everyone has the right to request public information regardless of its physical form and stored conditions, and choose the form of receiving public information if it is of different types, and to access the original information. In the case of risk of damaging the original information, the public institution shall be obliged to make the original available for reading under supervision, or present a duly certified copy. | The requests cannot be submitted by all means of communication. The only method is a written request, no emails or fax are allowed. The law does not say it explicitly: "Everyone may choose the form of receipt of public information, if there are various forms of its receipt" but in practice there are no fax numbers or email addresses where you can send the request (1 point loss). |
| Iceland | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | Article 10. Anyone requesting access to material shall specify the particular material which they wish to study. On the other hand, they may request to study all of the material on a certain matter without specifying any particular material concerning it. A government authority may stipulate that a request for access to material be made in writing, as well as being submitted on a form provided by the authority. When access is requested to material concerning an issue in which a decision is to be taken or has been taken on individual rights or obligations, the request shall be directed to the government authority which has taken or is due to take a decision on the issue. In other instances, the request shall be directed to the authority safekeeping the material. Article 11: Governmental authorities shall determine as soon as possible whether or not to comply with a request for accessing material. Should a request not have been handled within seven days of when it was received, the reasons for this delay and the expected time of decision must be clarified for the requester. When access is granted to material that a third person has a legally protected right to, pursuant to the Copyright Act, information shall be provided on the name of the rights holder, if such information is available. In other respects, procedure shall be subject to the Administrative Procedures Act. | It is under the authorities' discretion to stipulate that a request for access to material be made in writing, as well as being submitted on a form provided by that authority. |
| Iran | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | Article 4. The institutions liable under this law are obliged to provide the possibility of secure communication for processing the legal procedure in order to enable the users to communicate with the institution via means of access and communication such as telephone, computer or their cellphones. Obtaining information or presenting documents or paper credentials, receiving or filling out administrative forms shall not be contingent to physical presence of the citizens and officials of public bodies that fall under this law. Note - If the public key infrastructure is secured, there is no need for physical presence for the purpose of signature. | The law is generally vague here, but a point awarded for a provision in the regulations allowing for requests by phone or email. |
| Ireland | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | Article 12(1) A person who wishes to exercise the right of access shall make a request, in writing or in such other form as may be determined, addressed to the head of the FOI body concerned for access to the record concerned - (a) stating that the request is made under this Act, (b) containing sufficient particulars in relation to the information concerned to enable the record to be identified by the taking of reasonable steps, and (c) if the person requires such access to be given in a particular form or manner (being a form or manner referred to in section 17), specifying the form or manner of access. | The requester must state they are making the request under the law. |
| Ivory Coast | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | 11. Toute personne qui souhaite accéder aux informations et aux documents publics présente une requête écrite à l’organisme concerné dans laquelle elle décline son identité et sa qualité. La requête est rédigée en langue française et comporte des données permettant raisonnablement d’identifier l’information recherchée. Un accusé de réception est délivré au requérant. Lorsque la demande n’est pas suffisamment précise ou lorsqu’une personne requiert une assistance pour identifier le document susceptible de contenir les renseignements recherchés, le responsable est tenu de lui prêter son concours. Le requérant n’est pas tenu de motiver sa demande. | Not quite clear. |
| Kuwait | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | 6. The application for access to information is submitted in writing to the authority in possession of the information, using the template dedicated for this purpose, to which are attached the data and documents as indicated in the executive bylaw/regulations. | Have to use the form. |
| Latvia | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | Section 11. Form for Requesting Information and Registration Procedures "(1) Information may be requested in writing or orally. (2) All written requests for information shall be registered. An institution may prescribe procedures for also registering oral requests and the content of the information provided. (3) A written request for information shall indicate the name, surname or designation (firm name), the place of domicile, place of residence in Latvia or legal address of the applicant, and the applicant shall sign it. The request for information shall be formulated as precisely as possible. (4) Restricted access information shall be requested in writing. In requesting restricted access information, a person shall provide grounds for his or her request and specify the purpose for which the information will be used. If restricted access information is provided, the recipient shall undertake the duty to use this information solely for the purposes for which it was requested. (5) An institution may refuse to grant the request if it has not been prepared pursuant to the provisions of Paragraphs three and four of this Section, or does not provide a description according to which it is possible to identify the information. (6) Correspondence between an institution and an applicant and information regarding this person shall be deemed to be restricted access information." | |
| Lebanon | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | Article 14: Submitting the request: A – The request to obtain information shall be submitted in writing to the administration possessing the information. Said request shall include sufficient details to enable the appointed employee to retrieve the information with little effort. B – The person submitting the request shall adopt an elected place of residence of which he shall inform the administration upon submitting the request. | No reference to different means of communication. |
| Maldives | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | 6(a) A request for information from a State Institute must be made to the Information Officer of that office in writing and must: (1) state that the request for information is made under this Act; … (c) A State Institute may prepare and introduce a specific form by which requests for information as according to this Act will be submitted. However, the form shall not be a cause for inconvenience or unreasonable delay for access to information or the reason for unreasonable hindrance to access. (d) In circumstances where the form mentioned in subsection (c) of this section is not introduced by the State Institute, or where the form is unavailable, requesting for information without the form shall be possible. | Need to state a request is under the Act and to use the form. However, there are exceptions to this and forms cannot be a hindrance so only one point taken. |
| Moldova | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | 12. Requesting access to official information (1) Official information and documents may be obtained by the requesting party on the basis of a written or verbal request. | Requests can be oral or written but there is no other reference to how to submit. There is also no reference to a form, so presumably that is not required. |
| Monaco | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | A22: Toute personne physique ou morale peut adresser à une autorité administrative mentionnée à l’article 2 une demande en vue de consulter un document administratif détenu par cette autorité et n’ayant pas donné lieu à une publication au Journal de Monaco , ni fait l’objet d’une diffusion publique par tout moyen, y compris électronique. A23: La demande est adressée par écrit à l’autorité administrative et comporte tous éléments pertinents permettant l’identification du document administratif concerné. Il en est accusé réception. 47(1) Les autorités mentionnées à l’article 2 peuvent répondre par voie électronique à toute demande d’information qui leur est adressée par cette voie par un usager ou par une autre autorité. (2) Elles ne sont toutefois pas tenues de répondre à de telles demandes lorsqu’elles sont formulées en l’absence d’un téléservice correspondant à leur objet. | No mention of ways of submitting a request beyond that it must be in writing. There is an obligation to respond to requests electronically. |
| Morocco | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | 14(1) Les informations sont obtenues sur la base d'une demande formulée par l'intéressé selon un modèle établi par la commission visée à l'article 22 ci-dessous. La demande doit mentionner le nom, prénom du demandeur, son adresse postale, le numéro de sa carte nationale d'identité ou, lorsqu'il s'agit d'un étranger, le numéro du document attestant de la régularité de son séjour sur le territoire marocain conformément à la législation en vigueur et, le cas échéant, son adresse électronique, ainsi que les informations qu'il souhaite obtenir. (2) La demande est adressée au président de l'institution ou de l'organisme concerné par dépôt direct contre récépissé, par courrier normal ou par courrier électronique contre accusé de réception. | Do need to use form but can send in any way. |
| Mozambique | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | ARTIGO 15 (Access to information) 1. The request of information is addressed to de director or the employee in charge of the management of documents, information, archives. The applicant shall properly identify himself, and precise the type of information he is requesting. 2. The request of information must be submitted in writing if: a) concerns official correspondence; b) is about information regarding official affairs, except if the purpose of the requests is to use the information in civil or criminal proceedings; c) is about information delivered by employees about other officials, except if it is authorized, in writing, by the same official they refers. 3. In the cases of the previous number, if the request is oral, it is written down in duplicate by the employee who received the request. One copy is delivered to the applicant. 4. If the applicant is a person with handicap, the employee who receive the request shall provide to the proper arrangements to help the applicant. | Can be made orally; not clear about electronic |
| Namibia | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | 35(1) A person who wishes to obtain access to information held by an information holder must make a request in writing or orally to the information officer. (2) If a person makes a request orally the information officer must reduce the oral request to writing and provide a copy of that written request to the requester. | Simply says can submit oral or written; if oral the information officer must write it down. No other major/burdensome requirements but lacks protection for any means (even electronic means is not mentioned). |
| Nepal | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | 7. Procedures of Acquiring Information: (1) A Nepali Citizen, who is interested to obtain any information under this Act, shall submit an application before concerned Information Officer by stating reason to receive such information. | Again, no procedures are spelt out. But you do not need to use a form and electronic systems are slowly being put in place. |
| Panama | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | Artículo 5: La petición se hará por escrito en papel simple o por medio de correo electrónico, cuando la institución correspondiente disponga del mismo mecanismo para responderlo, sin formalidad alguna, ni necesidad de apoderado legal, detallando en la medida de lo posible la información que se requiere, y se presentará en la oficina asignada por cada institución para el recibo de correspondencia. Recibida la petición, deberá llevarse de inmediato al conocimiento del funcionario a quien se dirige. Artículo 6: Las solicitudes deberán contener lo siguiente: 1. Nombre del solicitante. 2. Número de cédula de identidad personal. 3. Dirección residencial o de su oficina. 4. Número telefónico donde puede ser localizado. Tratándose de personas jurídicas, deberán detallarse los datos de inscripción y los datos personales de su representante legal. | Article 5 & 6 of Law 6 of 2002. |
| Peru | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | 10 Presentación y formalidades de la solicitud: La solicitud de acceso a la información pública puede ser presentada a través del Portal de Transparencia de la Entidad o de forma personal ante su unidad de recepción documentaria. Será presentada mediante el formato contenido en el Anexo del presente Reglamento, sin perjuicio de la utilización de otro medio escrito que contenga la siguiente información: a. Nombres, apellidos completos, documento de identidad, domicilio. Tratándose de menores de edad no será necesaria la presentación del documento de identidad; b. De ser el caso, número de teléfono y/o correo electrónico; c. En caso la solicitud se presente en la unidad de recepción documentaria de la Entidad, firma del solicitante o huella digital, de no saber firmar o estar impedido de hacerlo; d. Expresión concreta y precisa del pedido de información; y, e. En caso el solicitante conozca la dependencia que posea la información, deberá indicarlo en la solicitud. Si el solicitante no hubiese incluido el nombre del funcionario o lo hubiera hecho de forma incorrecta, las unidades de recepción documentaria de las Entidades deberán canalizar la solicitud al funcionario responsable. | Article 10 of the regulations allows email requests. |
| Philippines | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | Section 9(a): Any person who requests access to information shall submit a written request to the government office concerned. The request shall state the name and contact information of the requesting party, provide valid proof of his identification or authorization, reasonably describe the information requested, and the reason for, or purpose of, the request for information: Provided, that no request shall be denied or refused acceptance unless the reason for the request is contrary to law, existing rules and regulations or it is one of the exceptions contained in the Inventory or updated inventory of exception as hereinabove provided. Regulations 3(1) - The request must be in writing. | Requests must be in writing, but it does not clarify the modalities for submitting requests. |
| Republic of Belarus | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 1 | Article 21. Provision of publicly accessible information upon request A request for publicly accessible information may be made in written, electronic, or oral form. | Requests can be made in writing (whether electronically or otherwise) or orally. However procedures are not specified in this law and on some websites of state bodies, it is possible to send an appeal or request information only through a special form. |
| Saint Kitts and Nevis | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | 9(1), (6) | May impose a form (and this is done at the level of each public body). |
| South Africa | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | 18. (1) A request for access must be made in the prescribed form to the information officer of the public body concerned at his or her address or fax number or electronic mail address. | Must be made using the prescribed form. |
| Sudan | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | 7. The Commissioner shall oversee operational activities relating to the enforcement of the right to access information and oversight, and, without prejudice to what to the above, the commissioner shall have the following competences: (h) Prepare the proposals for the request for information forms; 9(2) Each public institution must appoint an employee specializing in information to be called “information officer” and to be in responsible for the following: (d) Publish the procedures, forms and the required fees with the approval of the Commissioner to facilitate access to them. 10(d) The public institution can impose a form for requests for information provided that these forms do not delay the response or represent an unnecessary burden on the applicants, | You do need to use a form and it is not clear how requests may be submitted. |
| Thailand | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | YES | 1 | Section 11. If any person making a request for any official information other than the official information already published in the Government Gazette or already made available for public inspection or already made available for public studies under section 26 and such request makes a reasonably apprehensible mention of the intended information, the responsible State agency shall provide it to such person within a reasonable period of time, unless the request is made for an excessive amount or frequently without reasonable cause. If any official information is in a condition which can be easily damaged. a State agency may request for an extension of the period for its provision or may provide copies thereof in any such condition as to avoid damage thereto. The official information provided by the State agency under paragraph one must be the information already subsisting in the condition ready for distribution without requiring new preparation, analysis, classification, compilation or creation, unless it is the case of transformation into a document from the information recorded in the visual or sound recording system, computer system or any other system as determined by the Board. If the State agency is of the opinion that the request is not for the benefit of trade and is necessary for the protection of the rights and liberties of such person or is beneficial to the public, the State agency may provide such information. The provisions of paragraph three shall not prevent the State agency from creating new official information available to the person making the request if it is consistent with the usual powers and duties of such State agency. The provisions of section 9 paragraph two, paragraph three and paragraph four shall apply mutatis mutandis to the provision of the information under this section. | Section 11 of the OIA. The form provided on the OIC website is not really an official form, but rather a form that helps requesters to file their requests. |
| Togo | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | Article 8 : Toute personne qui souhaite accéder aux informations et aux documents publics, présente une requête écrite accompagnée de la photocopie d'une pièce d'identité en cours de validité à l'organisme concerné. La requête est rédigée en langue française et comporte des données permettant raisonnablement d'identifier l'information recherchée. | Not really clear. Must be in writing. |
| Trinidad and Tobago | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | 5. Doc. No. Description of Document(s) Requested Form of Access 1. 2. 3. (NOTE: Applicants shall identify the document(s), or provide sufficient information to enable an officer/employee or the public authority who is familiar with the relevant documents, to identify the document(s) requested with reasonable effort. Continue on a separate page if necessary. Subject to the provisions of the Act, access to a document may be granted by supplying a printed copy of it or by making it available for inspection or, if appropriate, by supplying a copy of a type, disk, film or other material containing the information, by supplying a transcript of such tape, disk, film or other material or by making arrangements for the hearing or viewing of such tape, disk, film or other material). 6. Assuming that all documents requested are exempt documents, give the Doc. No. of the documents described above of which you would like to have access to an edited version, if possible. .................................................................. The making of this request is free of charge, but where access to a document is to be given in the form of a copy (printed or otherwise), the applicant shall be required to pay the prescribed fee. Date of Application Signature of Applicant | Schedule 1 - requirement for an official form. |
| United States | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | Requests may be made just by writing to the agency and requesting the info, along with a contact address. Many agencies offer specialized request forms, and many accept requests electronically. However, the law also allows agencies to set their own procedures, some of which are more complicated than this, so it costs them a point. | |
| Uruguay | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | Artículo 13. (De la solicitud y sus requisitos).- Toda persona física o jurídica interesada en acceder a la información pública en poder de los sujetos obligados por la presente ley, deberá hacerlo mediante solicitud escrita ante el titular del organismo. En dicha solicitud deberá constar: A) La identificación del solicitante, su domicilio y forma de comunicación. B) La descripción clara de la información requerida y cualquier dato que facilite su localización. C) Y, opcionalmente, el soporte de información preferido, sin constituir este último una obligación para el organismo. | Art 13 - procedure is clear, but requests must be submitted in writing, and no mention of electronic requests. |
| Venezuela | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | 9. La solicitud de información de interés público deberá contener los siguientes datos: 1) Identidad del solicitante o, en su defecto, de la persona que actúe como su representante, con expresión de sus nombres, apellidos y cédula de identidad. 2) Información de contacto para recibir notificaciones así como la información solicitada. 3) Una descripción suficientemente precisa de la información solicitada, para permitir que sea ubicada. 4) Los motivos que justifican la solicitud de información de interés público. | Law doesn't impose requirements like using an official form but is also silent on ability to submit in any format. Overall procedure is a bit vague; not clear enough for full points. |
| Vietnam | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | Article 24(1): The information requester shall make request in the following forms: (a) Come in person or authorize other person to go to the offices of the state agencies to make request. (b) Submit written requests to the head offices of the agencies providing information via postal services, internet, and faxes; (2) The Request Form shall be written in Vietnamese; Reg. 11(1) Information-providing agencies shall develop special sections on access to information of their portals or websites to publish … addresses for receiving requests for information provision via the computer network … forms of slips for use in the information provision; instructions and documents to assist information requesters | Variety of ways of submitted but must be in writing on the form |
| Yemen | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | 15: "A request for access to the information in writing shall be done in accordance with the form designed for this purpose to the party whom the applicant believes it possesses the information, including the applicant's name and address of residence and work location; and this request must contain sufficient details that would enable the employee in charge to extract the information while the request for the application to access to information shall be done via Instant mail or postal mail or through direct attendance to the source of access to information or the National Center for Information; and in all cases, the application will be submitted upon the form approved for that."
28(e) |
Art 15 contains the requirement to use an official form, but allows for applications by email, mail or in person. 28(e) requires that the form be developed by the Commissioner General - hopefully it will be done in line with international standards. |
| Zambia | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | 10(1) | |
| Zimbabwe | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | Partially | 1 | 7(1) Any person who wishes to request access to information from any public entity, public commercial entity or the holder of a statutory office in accordance with the rights granted under this Act may apply in writing in a prescribed manner to an information officer of the public entity, public commercial entity or holder of a statutory office concerned. | Only indicates that must be made in writing but no mention of other rules for this. |
| Antigua and Barbuda | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | NO | 0 | N/A | Procedure is vague. |
| Cook Islands | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | NO | 0 | N/A | Procedure is not listed in the act, and I was unable to find standard request forms on any government websites I visited. |
| Denmark | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | NO | 0 | N/A | Not mentioned. |
| East Timor | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | NO | 0 | Article 10(2) The application referred to in the preceding paragraph shall mention, under penalty of refusal, the following elements: A) Identification of the document to be accessed; B) Identification of the form of access to the document, in Pursuant to paragraph 1 of the preceding article; C) Identification of name, address, contact and signature of the applicant. | Requirement to identify the document being sought, though this may come down to translation issues. But does not specify how to lodge a request. |
| Ecuador | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | NO | 0 | ARTICLE 19 De la Solicitud y sus Requisitos.- El interesado a acceder a la información pública que reposa, manejan o producen las personas jurídicas de derecho público y demás entes señalados en el artículo 1 de la presente Ley, deberá hacerlo mediante solicitud escrita ante el titular de la institución. En dicha solicitud deberá constar en forma clara la identificación del solicitante y la ubicación de los datos o temas motivo de la solicitud, la cual será contestada en el plazo señalado en el artículo 9 de esta Ley. | Art 19 - Requests must be made in writing - other than that procedure is extremely vague. |
| Fiji | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | NO | 0 | 6(3) A request made under subsection (1) must— (a) be made in the form prescribed by regulations made under this Act; | Must use the form and there is no reference to the idea of electronic requests. |
| France | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | NO | 0 | N/A | Not mentioned. |
| Germany | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | NO | 0 | N/A | There is no specific provision on this. In practice, most straightforward/simple requests are dealt with without complications. |
| Greece | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | NO | 0 | Article 3(3) For the convenience of the interested parties, application forms are used, which should be provided by the public authorities on all issues within their competence. The forms include the conditions provided for by the legislation for the satisfaction of the request, the applicable provisions, the supporting documents that should be 2 submitted by the interested party, as well as the period of time within which the answer will be given. [...] | No procedure listed. |
| Jordan | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | NO | 0 | 9(a) The information request shall be presented in the form approved for this purpose, including the requester's name, domicile, profession and any other data, as the Board may deem necessary. [...] | Vague procedure and requirement that an official form be used. |
| Niger | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | NO | 0 | 19: Toute demande d’accès aux documents administratifs doit revêtir la forme écrite. Un accusé de réception doit être remis au demandeur. L’administration est tenue de donner une suite motivée à cette demande, par écrit, dans un délai de quinze (15) jours pour compter du jour de sa saisine. Toutefois, les demandes émanant des chercheurs et des journalistes doivent être traitées dans un délai de cinq (05) jours. | Article 19 - requests must be in writing - procedure is otherwise vague. |
| Nigeria | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | NO | 0 | N/A | Not mentioned. |
| Palau | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | NO | 0 | 9(b) All governing bodies shall develop procedures in order to promptly comply with the ten (10) days requirement. | The procedures for requests are to be developed by each public authority and the law fails to set any conditions for this so we do not know how this will work. |
| Qatar | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | NO | 0 | مادة 11: يتم الحصول على المعلومات بناءً على طلب يقدمه طالب المعلومات إلى الجهة المعنية، على النموذج المعد لهذا الغرض، ويتضمن النموذج البيانات التي تحددها الجهة المعنية، وعلى الأخص بيانات طالب المعلومات، والمعلومات التي يرغب في الحصول عليها، ومبررات تقديم الطلب 11. Information is obtained based on a request submitted by the information requester to the concerned authority, on the form prepared for this purpose. The form includes the data specified by the concerned authority, in particular the data of the information requester, the information he wishes to obtain, and the justifications for submitting the request. |
An official form is required and there is no provision for how a request may be made. |
| Saudi Arabia | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | NO | 0 | 7.4 The public entity shall verify the identity of individuals before granting them the right to access or obtain public information in accordance with the controls determined by the National Cyber Security Authority. 7.5 2. The request should be filled out in a dedicated form made accessible by the public entity; 3. The request should clearly state that it is a request for Freedom of Information purposes; The National Data Management and Personal Data Protection Standards (https://sdaia.gov.sa/ndmo/Files/PoliciesEn001.pdf) FOI 3.4 The Entity shall prepare request forms for access to Public Information - whether paper or electronic - specifying the required information to be provided by the Requestor. The required information shall include, at minimum, the following: 1. Information about the Requestor including name, address, national ID 2. Description of Public Information being requested 3. Purpose behind the request for access to public information 4. Legal basis for the request | It is necessary to use the provided form. Requests must specify the "legal basis" for the request. |
| Seychelles | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | NO | 0 | 9(1) A person who wishes to obtain access to access information under this Act may make a request in writing to the Information Officer of the concerned public body: Provided that no such request shall be made if any other written law provides for getting such information. | Need to use the form and no reference to different ways of submitting. |
| South Sudan | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | NO | 0 | 9(1) - must be made in writing, though oral requests are allowed by 9(4) if the person is unable to file a written request. 9(8) seems to require the use of an official form, though it may not place unreasonable conditions or burdens on the requester. | |
| Spain | There are clear and relatively simple procedures for making requests. Requests may be submitted by any means of communication, with no requirement to use official forms or to state that the information is being requested under the access to information law. | Max 2 points. Considerations include that there is no requirement to state that the request is under the RTI law, nor to use an official form, nor to identify the document being sought. | 2 | NO | 0 | Artículo 14 (Solicitud de acceso a la información): 2. La solicitud podr presentarse por cualquier medio. | El proceso de solicitud implementado requiere un largo proceso para poder solicitar información. |
