In today’s digital age, information is increasingly stored on and shared through digital platforms. Globally, digitalization and digital technologies are recognized as transformative tools for advancing transparency and good governance. In light of this global trend, ARTICLE 19 today publishes our policy brief Access to Information and Digitalization: Towards Transparent Public Administration in Tunisia.
Digital tools facilitate proactive disclosure of public information and strengthen protection of the right to access to information (RTI). As public administrations worldwide undergo digital transformation, leveraging these technologies has become essential for meeting the evolving expectations of citizens and aligning governance practices with international standards and best practices.
Tunisia’s digitalization agenda reflects this broader international movement. Recent initiatives underscore the growing recognition of the role of digital tools in fostering transparency, and, since 2011, Tunisia has made significant progress in promoting RTI.
Tunisia now stands at a critical juncture in its digital transformation journey, while also upholding its international commitments regarding the right of access to information. With a renewed governmental focus on modernizing administrative services, there is a unique opportunity to embed robust RTI standards into these efforts. By building on post-2011 reforms and leveraging current initiatives, Tunisia can align its strategies with international standards, setting a regional benchmark for integrating RTI into digital governance.
This policy brief highlights the vital role RTI plays in the digital age by advocating for a cohesive digitalization strategy that prioritizes transparency, proactive publication and dissemination of public information, and opening up public data. Drawing on lessons learned, identifying challenges, and offering actionable recommendations, this brief aims to support reforms that align Tunisia’s digital transformation with global best practices.