What enhances the right to information? A cross‐national examination of legal, technological, and administrative influences

Abstract

This study examines the influence of legal arrangements (freedom of information legislation), technological advancements (e‐government), and administrative capacity (government effectiveness) on the right to information with a cross‐country view. To that end, it uses various global indicators. A regression‐based analysis reveals that legal guarantees and e‐government do not significantly influence the extent to which the right to information is realised. Freedom of information legislation can offer legal guarantees for the right to information; however, the outcomes in terms of the right to information have not yet been reached for many new adopters of the legislation. While the contribution of e‐government to the right to information is also insignificant, a government's administrative capacity is pivotal to achieving the right to information.