The German Journalists’ Association (DJV) has expressed strong dismay regarding the federal government’s plans for reforming the Freedom of Information Act (IFG). According to DJV head Hendrik Zörner, the ruling coalition is essentially “throwing freedom of information in the bin.” Zörner added that this move is particularly problematic given the current need for transparent facts and information to effectively counter the wave of misinformation and unfounded opinions.
While acknowledging that the IFG is not a massive legislative achievement, Zörner argued that it was a workable system. He warned that if the Bundestag follows the guidelines set by the Coalition Committee, accessing information will become significantly more complicated.
The Coalition Committee had decided, during a session on Wednesday, to adapt the IFG to meet “current challenges.” Among the concrete changes mandated by this decision is that only private citizens who can demonstrate a “legitimate interest” will be allowed to submit requests. Furthermore, fees will be adjusted “in accordance with the cost coverage principle,” a change that is expected to effectively eliminate the prior maximum fee cap of 500 euros per request.
The coalition included in its resolution that these alterations must be carried out “in coordination with the BfDI,” the Federal Commissioner for Data Protection. However, the current commissioner, Louisa Specht-Riemenschneider, has begun departing due to health reasons. As for her replacement, Moritz Hennemann, his stance on the Freedom of Information Act remains unclear. The professor of law stated on Thursday that he would not comment on the matter before taking office on October 1st.
