News

Public Statement spread by the CSOs across the Globe to the OGP

On 17 December, 2013 a Public Statementsigned by more than 100 organizations across the world, included Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI) from Georgia sent to the Co-Chairs of the Open Government Partnership OGP, the OGP Steering Committee and OGP members States. The Public Statement refers to the concern on disproportionate surveillance practices across the globe and the request to promote more transparency. These practices erode the checks and balances on w

Georgia as One of the Primary Examples of Successful Implementation of Proactive Disclosure

Freedom of information is a very important part of open governance, and as such plays one of the key roles for the governments around the world that strive towards more openness, transparency and accountability within the frameworks of the Open Government Partnerships (OGP).

Public Statement Spread by the CSOs Across the Globe to the OGP

On 17 December, 2013 a Public Statement signed by more than 100 organizations across the world, including Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI) from Georgia, was sent to the Co-Chairs of the Open Government Partnership (OGP), the OGP Steering Committee and OGP member States.

Demonstration to honor the memory of victims of 1937-38 Stalin repressions

On December 21, on the birthdate of Joseph Stalin, Institute for Development of Freedom of Information organized symbolic demonstration to honor the memory of victims of 1937-38 Stalin repressions. Demonstration was organized spontaneously and organizers exhibited photos, letters, memoirs and other materials of the victims of repressions on Rustaveli Avenue, in front of the former parliament building. Citizens, who attended the demonstration, read the lists of the represses persons.

Members of Leadership House visited IDFI

On December 19 director of Institute for Development of Freedom of Information, Giorgi Kldiashvili conducted a lecture about Stalinism and mass repressions for high school students. This event was attended by the members of Leadership House. The aim of this meeting was making the young generation familiar with the epoch and assessing the events that took place back then. Giorgi Kldiashvili talked about the totalitarian regime, absence of freedom, brutality of the regime, fear among th

SMS as Public Information (Case of Canada)

While technology is a powerful tool for innovation, its use must not infringe on the right of requesters to know what government is doing and to hold it accountable for its decisions. Suzanne Legault, Information Commissioner of Canada Where did it all begin In August 2012, the Information Commissioner launched a systemic investigation into the use and preservation of non-email, text-based messages[1] on government-issued wireless devices. T

IDFI Participated in an Event Dedicated to an International Anti-Corruption Day

On the International Anti-Corruption Day, December 11, Ministry of Justice conducted a simulated session of Anti-Corruption Coordination Council. Event was a joint endeavor of Analytical Department of Ministry of Justice, Training Center of Justice of Georgia, Transparency International Georgia and Institute for Development of Freedom of information. Total of 18 students from various universities participated in this session. Participants were selected through an open competition.

Barack Obama Notes the Importance of OGP in his Statement

November 17th, 2013, marked the inauguration of the new President of Georgia, Giorgi Margvelashvili, who was elected as a result of peaceful, democratic elections on October 27th, 2013. The day was also marked by a large number of statements released from various foreign leaders, who congratulated Giorgi Margvelashvili. Among these was Barack Obama, the president of the United States, who in his statement talked about the significant progress Georgia has undergone in the recent years.

FOIA Reform Featured in New U.S. OGP Action Plan

6 December, 2013 By Toby McIntosh The Obama administration Dec. 6 proposed five steps to modernize the freedom of information act. The ideas appear inthe second U.S. national action planprepared as a member of the Open Government Partnership. In an unexpected development, the plan includes a series of commitments related to foreign surveillance efforts. Regarding freedom of information, the plan contains a number of points: A consolidated FOI portal:The Administration will

FOIA Reform Featured in New U.S. OGP Action Plan

The Obama administration Dec. 6 proposed five steps to “modernize” the freedom of information act.

The ideas appear in the second U.S. national action plan prepared as a member of the Open Government Partnership. In an unexpected development, the plan includes a series of commitments related to foreign surveillance efforts.