The Official Gazette of the Republic of Cuba has published Law 168 on Transparency and Access to Public Information, which establishes a legal framework for transparency in public administration and guarantees citizens' right to access public information. This legislation promotes proactive disclosure of data and protects personal information while outlining procedures for information requests.
Law 168, published on January 9, marks progress in Cuba's institutional system by regulating transparency in public administration. It requires state entities, central agencies, national companies, local organs of People's Power, social organizations, and any body managing public resources to disclose public interest information systematically and accessibly, without prior request.
Information to be revealed includes missions, functions, executive details, strategies, programs, funds, development plans, projects, goods and services, summary balance sheets, budgets, and accountability reports. Guiding principles are accessibility, free access, speed, quality, good faith, inclusion, non-discrimination, and oversight.
Any person can request public information, with responses within 15 business days, extendable by the same period, and access is free except for reproduction costs. Exceptions cover national defense, personal data, judicial proceedings, banking confidentiality, and environmental protection, subject to a harm test balancing public interest.
The Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment (CITMA) leads the National System of Transparency, coordinated with the document management system, overseeing compliance and annual monitoring. The law takes effect 180 days after publication, emphasizing training and technological infrastructure to build a transparency culture.
CITMA specialists note that this law enhances citizen participation and accountability, aligning with constitutional principles.
