To mark the 240th Anniversary of the Freedom of Information, the Foundation published a book (in English) titled "The World´s First Freedom of Information Act - Anders Chydenius´ Legacy Today". 240 years ago the world´s first Freedom of Information Act took effect in Sweden-Finland. The Finnish enlightenment thinker and politician Anders Chydenius (1729-1803) played a crucial role in creating the new law in 1766. It abolished political censorship and gave the public access to government documents. Chydenius´ legacy remains topical in the world 240 years later.
This anniversary publication contains a English translation of the 1766 Act, an article of its origins as well as several articles on the contemporary challenges of Freedom of Information.
Introduction: Anders Chydenius¿ Legacy Today
His Majesty¿s Gracious Ordinance Relating to Freedom of Writing and of the Press
Anders Chydenius and the Origins of World¿s First Freedom of Information Act
Transparency at the Core of Democracy
Openness and Access to Information in Finland
Access to Documents in the EU ¿ Freedom of Information ¿Could Fuel Public Discussion¿
The Global Openness Movement in 2006: 240 Years after the First Freedom of Information Law, Access to Government Information Now Seen as a Human Right