The freedom of information law went into force April 1, 2001. But since then, there have been persistent criticisms of the current information disclosure system. Decisions made by government ministries and agencies in response to disclosure requests have appeared arbitrary. Reasons given for refusing disclosures are often so vague that it is not clear whether a sought-after document even exists anymore.
In a welcome move, a government panel headed by government revitalization minister Renho on Aug. 24 proposed ways to make the system more effective. Under the proposals, a revision bill will state clearly that people have the right to know. Nonprofit public-service corporate bodies under the supervision of government ministries and agencies will also become subject to information disclosure requests.
At present, government entities are given 30 days to decide on requests for information disclosure. The period will be shortened to 14 days. One now has to pay ¥300 for each document disclosed, but under the proposals no fee will be charged except for commercial use of government documents.