What does the term "transparency" refer to in the context of FOI?

The term "transparency" in the context of FOI, or Freedom of Information, is fundamentally about clarity and openness regarding the availability of information. When a government or organization practices transparency, it means they are committed to making information accessible to the public without undue barriers. This allows citizens to understand how decisions are made, how resources are allocated, and how policies impact their lives.

Transparency fosters trust and accountability, enabling the public to engage actively with government processes. When information is clear and openly shared, it encourages informed participation and helps prevent corruption and abuse of power. This concept aligns directly with the goals of FOI legislation, which aims to empower individuals by granting them access to information held by public authorities.

In contrast, the other options focus on restrictions rather than openness. The aim of FOI is to counteract those limitations and promote a culture of information sharing and public awareness.