The federal government is defending its proposed restrictions to the Freedom of Information Act (IFG). Government spokesperson Stefan Kornelius stated to the dts news agency on Friday that these changes are not, as some journalistic associations allege, an infringement on freedom of the press.
Kornelius clarified that the planned amendments are rooted in “security policy concerns” and are necessary due to the current shifting security landscape. He explained that the government faces a “complex threat situation” and has identified a need for protection, particularly concerning critical infrastructure.
The coalition committee announced on Thursday that it had resolved, during a meeting held on Wednesday, to significantly rework the Freedom of Information Act. This move has sparked widespread criticism from both journalist unions and media professionals. One notable amendment requires that future requests for information must demonstrate a “legitimate interest.”
Hendrik Zörner, the head of the DJV (German Journalists’ Association), strongly criticized the initiative, telling the dts news agency that the government coalition is “throwing freedom of information in the trash.” Meanwhile, federal data protection commissioner Louisa Specht-Riemenschneider questioned why the existing IFG was perceived as having such problems.
