Germany set to restrict its Freedom of Information Act

German lawmakers approved a 34-point reform package shortly before the summer recess that includes significant changes to the Freedom of Information Act (IFG) in effect since 2006. The ruling coalition of the Christian Democratic Union, Christian Social Union and Social Democratic Party wants to alter the law granting individuals the right to access official information held by federal agencies. Critics say the plan effectively abolishes the act. According to the reform paper, there is a particular need to protect government data during times of highly complex threats. The plan could limit the right to submit requests to natural persons rather than associations or organizations and raise fees significantly. Names of government employees could be redacted to protect them from hostility. The government also wants to examine limiting rights to German citizens and EU citizens living in Germany. Konstantin von Notz, a Green Party lawmaker, said the coalition is fundamentally undermining the legal foundations of government transparency under the pretext of adapting to security threats. In an open letter, 110 civil society organizations including Greenpeace, Transparency International and Amnesty International urged the government to stop the plans. Martin Kaiser of Greenpeace told DW that curtailing the right to information will hinder oversight and reduce public acceptance. SPD Bundestag committee experts issued a joint statement declaring any curtailment of existing rights must not proceed and the parliamentary group will not approve a move to abolish the current level of transparency. Official figures show approximately 105,000 requests were submitted between 2015 and 2022 with information disclosed in most cases.