Possible restrictions on the Freedom of Information Act are currently being discussed at the federal level. The focus is on whether access to official information should be subject to additional conditions in the future. The Humanist Association of Germany | Federal Association views these proposals with skepticism.
“A democratic society needs informed citizens,” says Christiane Herrmann, a member of the executive board of the Humanist Association of Germany | Federal Association. “Anyone who wants to understand government actions should not have to provide any special justification for doing so. Transparency strengthens trust in democratic institutions and enables civic participation.”
According to the Humanist Federation, the broadest possible access to government information is one of the cornerstones of a vibrant democracy. Citizens must have the opportunity to understand political decisions, scrutinize public spending, and participate in social debates based on reliable information.
From a humanistic perspective, the discussion touches on fundamental questions of maturity and personal responsibility. Democracy is not limited to participating in elections. It thrives when people critically follow political decisions, question government actions, and actively participate in shaping their community.
“As humanists, we trust in people’s ability to take responsibility and exercise independent judgment,” said Herrmann. “This also includes access to the information necessary to form an informed opinion. Citizens should not have to justify their interest; rather, the state should explain why information cannot be made public if there are valid reasons for withholding it. Freedom of information is a civil right.”
The Humanist Association of Germany | Federal Association points out that the current Freedom of Information Act already provides for exceptions to protect personal data, security-related matters, or ongoing proceedings. Any additional barriers to accessing official information would therefore have to be justified with particular care.
The backdrop to this is the current political debate over a possible reform of the Freedom of Information Act. Among other things, the debate centers on whether requesters will in the future have to demonstrate a “legitimate interest” before government agencies provide information. Supporters point to the reduced administrative burden and more efficient handling of requests. Critics, on the other hand, fear that this could hinder journalistic investigations, academic projects, civic engagement, and democratic oversight of government actions.
For the Humanist Association of Germany | Federal Association, this raises a fundamental question: How open and transparent should government action be in a democratic society? From the Association’s perspective, trust is not built by imposing additional barriers to access to information, but rather through transparency, accountability, and the willingness of government institutions to subject themselves to public scrutiny.
