[1] Similar laws exist in over 70 countries, whereas 19 countries' legislation applies to information held by the government as well as private bodies, whereas the others apply to government information only.
Chapter 2, section 1 of Swedish law states:In order to promote a free exchange of opinion, free and comprehensive information, and free artistic creation, everyone should have the right to take part in public documentsThe principle of public access to official records is designed to ensure that the public has a good understanding of, and can exercise civilian control over, the actions of the authorities.
The principle of public access to official records is established in Finland's constitution in Freedom of Expression and Right of Access to Information (Finnish: Sananvapaus ja julkisuus) chapter 2, section 12:[5]Documents and other records in the possession of the Authority shall be publicly accessible unless, for imperative reasons, their disclosure is specifically restricted by law.
For example, with regard to public safety, the private life of the individual and the business interests of companies.
In addition, the institutions may refuse to disclose internal documents that form the basis for decision-making processes that are ongoing if the disclosure is assumed to be able to influence the decision-making process.