Regarding Freedom of Information Ordinance (<Special Feature>Situation of Social Communication and Transformation of Media)

Abstract

Freedom of INformation Act is not established in Japan yet. However, many local goverments in Japan have already established Freedam of Information Ordinances and citizens are utilizing effectively these ordinances. in protesting nuclear power plant, in claiming medicinal checks'in detecting illegal expenses of public funds etc. The web now is widely accepted on local level. On the other hand, however, there cames out cases in which the local geverment tries to hide their specific informations there by devaluing the ordinance itself, and the citizens have been complaining about it. There are following three patterns of "information hiding". 1) To reject demand of information for the reason of the enforcement date of ordinance. 2) Not to make documents, or not to mention details. 3) To return preserved documents. Common point of above mentioned "information hiding" pattern in not to let the citizen make demand of information based on ordinance. It is not only hiding but also preventing complaint. To keep Information freedom against "information hiding", we need to watch administration on the one hand and need to establish system in the future that clarify production, access and dispose of information on the other. Of course, it is essential for public officials to recognize the signficance of information freedom.