Limits of Freedom of Information Act in Brazil: theoretical reflections in the sphere of information science

ABSTRACT This paper aims to verify the applicability of the Freedom of Information Act (LAI) in Brazil. We conducted a comparative analysis of the proposal of the Law and its applicability by public organisms. We worked with the electronic Citizens’ Enquiry Service (e-SIC) and the Federal Government website.. The information requests submitted to the competent law enforcement authorities allowed the analysis of the applicability of the Law. The results showed that there are wide great divergences regarding the content of the law. In addition, they also suggest that the discussions on information, when considering not only information access but also the appropriation of information, can contribute to social development. The consideration of information access and information appropriation in a complementary way may bring significant contributions to the scientific and social fields.

摘要 本文旨在验证《信息自由法》（Freedom of Information Act, LAI）在巴西的适用情形。研究针对该法律的立法框架及其在公共机构中的适用情况展开对比分析，依托电子公民咨询服务（electronic Citizens’ Enquiry Service, e-SIC）与联邦政府官方网站开展数据收集与分析工作。通过向主管执法机关提交的信息申请，本研究得以完成该法律适用情况的系统性分析。结果显示，该法律的条文内涵存在显著分歧。此外，研究还表明，在探讨信息议题时，若同时兼顾信息获取与信息使用两个维度，将可为社会发展提供助力。以互补视角统筹考量信息获取与信息使用，可为科研与社会领域带来重要价值与贡献。