You're reading: Lawyer: Law on access to public information gives no clear definition of such information

The newly adopted law on access to public information gives no clear definition of the exact kind of information that can be disclosed under this law, a partner of the Astapov Lawyers International Law Group, Oleh Malsky, told Interfax-Ukraine while commenting on the law, which came into effect recently.

"Until this law is tested, and one or several precedents are created by the judicial system, the volume of available information will remain unclear," he said.

According to Malsky, the phrase "confidential information" could be widely interpreted. "I don’t clearly understand exactly what information can be disclosed," he said.

"And who exactly will decide whether information is confidential or not, or whether it is related to the secrecy of correspondence, as guaranteed by the constitution, or not – only practice will show," the lawyer said.

At the same time, according to him, the adoption and signing of the law is a positive step towards openness and transparency.

"The issues connected with application of this law will depend on practice," Malsky said.

The law on access to public information took effect on May 9. According to the law, access to information about the activities and decisions of public authorities should be provided according to the following procedure: the information should be published in the media and in official publications, provided on request, posted on official Web sites on the Internet, and provided through the information services of the public authorities.

According to the document, information on the activities of the authorities is mandatory for disclosure.

The law also foresees controls over the provision of access to public information, which should be conducted by special agencies determined by the Verkhovna Rada and the president of Ukraine.

The document prohibits the establishment of public authorities, institutions, or posts for the supervision of the content of information published in the media.

According to the law, an official or group of officials deliberately obstructing the professional activities of journalists and/or responsible for the prosecution of journalists for the fulfillment of their professional duties, or for criticism, will be punished in compliance with Ukrainian laws.

The law also defines the principles of activity of the media and the procedure for the accreditation of journalists.