The process of implementation of the Law on Access to Information organ of the Federal Executive

Abstract

On November 18th, 2011, the Federal Law 12.527, also called Access to Information Law (AIL), was approved by the Presidency of Republic. The law essentially establishes that the access to public information by citizens becomes a rule and the confidentiality, an exception. The law also regulates the Citizen Information Service (CIS) – an agency comprising specific procedures so that to guarantee to individuals the access to information produced by government and public offices. This work studies the process of implementation of the law and had as an objective to survey the changes needed to adapt to the new demands, as well as the influences caused in the departments and agencies of the Federal Administration. The research was carried out in 17 different offices of the  direct administration and 19 different offices of the indirect administration* five months after it has become effective. Semi-structured interviews with those in charge of communication units, with ombudsmen or departments responsible for the CIS were performed. The research shows that, approved  on November 18th, 2011, after a six-month-period, so that necessary adaptations could be made,  the  process of implementation of law was more pacific than expected, but it still raise questions in the government bodies, and for this reason mobilization and awareness of civil service must be continuous.