The National Institute for Transparency, Access to Information and Personal Data Protection (INAI) reported a significant increase in disputes arising from the government’s refusal to provide public information, highlighting a growing challenge to transparency. This rise underscores a systemic resistance among state entities to comply with disclosure obligations, often invoking confidentiality or claiming that records do not exist. The high success rate of appeals demonstrates that these refusals are frequently unjustified, revealing a critical gap between legal mandates and administrative practices in Mexico. This trend is particularly relevant to open data initiatives, as it exposes structural barriers that hinder the free flow of public information essential for civic oversight and digital innovation. When government data remains inaccessible, it undermines the foundational principles of an open society and limits civil society’s ability to hold authorities accountable. The struggle for transparency directly affects the availability of reliable datasets needed for research, journalism, and technological development. Moreover, the political tensions surrounding the INAI’s autonomy reflect broader democratic concerns. Safeguarding the institute’s independence is crucial for maintaining mechanisms that ensure data accessibility. Ultimately, strengthening these institutions is necessary to foster a culture where openness becomes the norm, enabling citizens to fully exercise their rights and participate effectively in democratic processes through verified information.

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Published on 2023-03-25