La SIP se une a voces en Panamá que piden retirar iniciativa para cambiar Ley de Transparencia
The Inter-American Press Society opposes Panama’s proposed amendment to its Transparency Law, arguing that it will hinder public access to information and protect corruption rather than combat it. This position underscores the critical role of robust legal frameworks in safeguarding the right to information—a cornerstone of open data ecosystems that enable journalists and citizens to hold governments accountable. Although the government has acknowledged the need for input from civil society, critics emphasize that the current law has been exemplary in the region. Replacing a functioning mechanism with one that lacks broad consultation risks weakening anticorruption efforts. The debate highlights how legislative changes can directly affect the availability and usability of public data, potentially creating barriers for researchers and activists who rely on transparent records. This conflict is relevant to open data because it illustrates how political will and legal structures determine whether public information remains a shared resource or becomes restricted. Protecting existing transparency laws ensures that data stays accessible, fostering accountability and informed civic participation—essential elements for healthy democratic societies and effective data-driven governance.
Source: vozdeamerica.comPublished on 2023-09-14