Today 142 nations with public record laws are celebrating International Right to Know Day, focused on a conference of information commissioners held today and tomorrow in Sierra Leone, Africa.

Panelists from around the globe convened for the International Conference of Information Commissioners, focusing on how to improve implementation of their laws and ramp up proactive posting of government information. The other big topic is how to use AI appropriately, either as a requester or government custodian.

More than 90 nations have set up independent information commissions to help requesters get records if they are denied, and 49 of those commissions have the authority to compel agencies to provide the records – no need to hire a lawyer and go to court. Commissions also provide training and educating for requesters and government employees, some have the power to deem requests vexatious (and therefore can be ignored), and some have the authority to fine recalcitrant officials.

Brechner FOI Project Director David Cuillier is scheduled to give the keynote address Sept. 29 to present research about the state of global government transparency. Cuillier will present his findings of a survey of information commissioners that found that three-quarters said their countries were improving in transparency. Commissions in countries led by populist regimes, however, reported greater concern about being shut down. See study summary here.

Posted: September 28, 2026
Category: Brechner News