ABSTRACT
This study focused on the application of the Law of Transparency and Right to Access Public Information (Transparency Law) in Colombia, South America. The Transparency Law (equivalent to the American Freedom of Information Act [FOIA]) became effective on September 6, 2014. Therefore, this law is recent, innovative, and little known by the community and media companies. Considering the need to publicize the law, recognizing the role of public information and information technologies in our societies and journalism, and recognizing a need for a digital platform able to manage requests, the researchers created a training course and an online digital tool, Transparenci@, to educate community leaders and members of the media on how to request information from public institutions. The study found that (1) the Transparenci@ tool served as a viable vehicle for Transparency Law education and application, (2) the media is eager to use these new communication technologies to keep a watchful eye on government functions, (3) the forces of political corruption present considerable obstacles to the embracement of an open government (even if required by law), (4) researchers found difficulty convening community leaders divided by political principles, and (5) the need for digital and media literacy is much greater among low-income communities and older generations.
