Recently published: Commentary on the Freedom of Information Act(IFG)

Published at the end of May: Commentary on the Freedom of Information Act (IFG) by attorney at law Christian F. Schneider, partner at bpv Huegel.

The Freedom of Information Package, consisting of amendments to the Federal Constitutional Law and the enactment of a Freedom of Information Act (IFG), will bring about a paradigm shift with effect from 1 September 2025: Official secrecy will be abolished and replaced by a fundamental right to freedom of information and the obligation of administrative bodies to proactively publish information of general interest.

The subject is particularly important, since not only administrative bodies but also, for the first time, over 5,000 companies supervised by the Court of Auditors will be obliged to provide information, although there are exceptions. In addition, all information seekers will have a right to access the original information.

The book comments on the relevant provisions in the Federal Constitutional Law (B-VG) and the Freedom of Information Act (IFG), while also making cross-references to other legal matters such as freedom of speech and the GDPR.

© 2026 bpv Hügel Rechtsanwälte

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