The right to know allows everyone to know what public institutions do and to decide how to participate in matters that affect them. It is an essential right in democracy, as it guarantees transparency and citizen participation.
This right means that all people can access the information generated by public institutions in their daily activity (public information). However, it has some limits above all to protect personal data, privacy and security.
Although it is not a fundamental right, the United Nations celebrates the International Day of the Right to Know every 28 September, because it is key to strengthening democracy. This day recalls that many advances in transparency are the result of the work of an active and demanding citizenry. Today more than ever it is important for citizens to get involved. The right to know begins with the duty to ask.
In Spain this right is based on the Spanish Constitution (Article 105 b) and the Law 19/2013, of 19 December, of Transparency, Access to Public Information and Good Governance (Transparency Act), which includes the obligations of the administrations in this matter and the regulation of the right of access to public information.
Public institutions make this right possible through active advertising. To this end, information on:
- How Their Organisms Work
- Your budgets and expenses
- His performances
- The details of their senior positions
- Other information that citizens usually request.
In addition, anyone can request specific information that is not published.
The Transparency Portal offers two ways to access public information, free of charge and accessible, in two ways:
- Please refer to the Active Advertising section, which details the obligations indicated in articles 6, 6 bis, 7 and 8 of Law 19/2013 on Transparency, Access to Public Information and Good Governance.
- Requesting information that is not published in the Transparency Portal.