Freedom of Information

The federal Freedom of Information Act regulates the principle of public access to administrative activities ( (so-called principle of freedom of information). Under the Freedom of Information Act, anyone is entitled to access official documents without having to state an interest or motive. This shall promote transparency and comprehensibility of administrative activities.

Any person – regardless of their nationality, place of residence or age – has the right apply for access to official documents and to obtain information about the content of such documents. The procedure is laid down in the Freedom of Information Act and in the Freedom of Information Ordinance.

If applicants do not agree with the treatment of their application for access by the autority, or if third parties, that have been consulted do not agree with the autority's intention to grant access, they may file a request for mediation with the FDPIC.

If no agreement can be reached in a conciliation procedure, the FDPIC shall issue a written recommendation.

Following a recommendation, the authority may issue a ruling which may be appealed.

Legal Framework Federal Act on Freedom of Information

Fragen- und Antwortenkatalog des EDÖB vom 13. Oktober 2022 für die Anhörung durch die GSK vom 28. Oktober 2022 zum BGÖ.