What act allows for the disclosure of information held by public authorities?

The Freedom of Information Act 2000 is the legislation that specifically governs the disclosure of information held by public authorities in the United Kingdom. This act allows individuals to request access to information from public authorities, promoting transparency and accountability. It lays out the framework for how requests for information are to be made, the time frames for responses, and the exceptions that may apply to certain types of information.

This act is essential in providing the public with the right to access information, thereby ensuring that government actions are open to scrutiny. The implications of this act are significant, as they empower citizens to engage with governmental processes decisively and can influence policy-making and administrative practices.

Other acts mentioned, such as the Data Protection Act, primarily focus on personal data protection and the rights of individuals regarding their personal information, rather than on the disclosure of information held by public authorities. The Privacy Act is relevant in other jurisdictions, but does not pertain to UK public authority information disclosure.