A Recent Exploration of Accessing Public Sector Information: Theoretical and Legal Background, with a Special Focus on Hungary

Abstract

The rapid technological advancements we are witnessing have undoubtedly had a great impact on several aspects regarding freedom of information, and the concept of increased governmental transparency on a global scale seems to be inevitable. But how can certain states, governments and societies cope with these new possibilities and challenges? Do state authorities worry about the weakening of their information monopoly? The author wishes to introduce ideas related to these questions through providing an examination of the theoretical and legal background and case law related to the concept of freedom of information; more specifically, the right to access public sector information at international and European Union levels, as well as the development and current situation in Hungary. As a result of the regulatory attitude and policies shown in recent years, the right to access public sector information has been weakened in Hungary, thus the specific aim of the article is to highlight certain amendments that have been made to related laws and examine them in light of the theoretical foundations, as well as their possible adverse effects exerted on the pursuit towards increased governmental transparency.