Overview of the Law of Ukraine “On Information”

The Law of Ukraine on Information is a fundamental normative act that defines what is considered information in Ukraine, who has the right to receive, store, and distribute it, when access to data can be restricted, and what liability arises for violation of information rights.

We are talking about the Law of Ukraine dated October 2, 1992, No. 2657-XII. As of October 12, 2026, the document is in force, and the official database of the Verkhovna Rada reflects the version as of January 20, 2026. You can check the current text in the “Legislation of Ukraine” database of the Verkhovna Rada.

The law itself explains information quite broadly. It is any data and information that can be stored on a physical medium or displayed electronically. That is, the law concerns not only documents of state bodies. It includes personal data, statistics, product information, ecological, legal, scientific-technical, and other information.

What Right to Information Does a Person Have

Article 5 of the law enshrines the right of everyone to information. A person can receive, use, distribute, store, and protect it if necessary for the realization of their rights, freedoms, and lawful interests.

This right is related to Article 34 of the Constitution of Ukraine. It guarantees the ability to freely collect, store, use, and disseminate information orally, in writing, or otherwise. The full text is available in the Constitution of Ukraine on the Verkhovna Rada website.

In practice, the right to information includes several main possibilities:

• to receive information necessary for the protection of one’s rights;
• to use open state information resources;
• to obtain information about the activities of authorities in cases provided by law;
• to know what personal data about you is collected and used;
• to demand protection of violated right to information.

At the same time, freedom of information is not unlimited. Exercising this right, a person must not violate the rights, freedoms, and lawful interests of others.

Which Information Is Open and Which Has Restricted Access

Article 20 establishes a clear principle: information can be open or with restricted access. As a general rule, any information is open unless the law explicitly allows restricting access to it.

Information with Restricted Access

The law distinguishes three main categories:

1. Confidential information.
2. Secret information.
3. Official information.

The mere fact that certain data is inconvenient for an institution, official, or company does not automatically make it closed. The restriction must have a legal basis.

There is information that cannot be concealed just at the will of its holder. The law, in particular, establishes special protection of access to data about the state of the environment, dangerous accidents and catastrophes, violations of human rights, illegal actions of state authorities, and other socially significant information.

How the Law Protects Personal Information

Article 11 defines information about a natural person as data or a set of data about a person who has already been identified or can be specifically identified.

Confidential information about a person may include, in particular:

• data on marital status;
• address, date, and place of birth;
• health information;
• information about education;
• religious beliefs;
• other personal data protected by law.

Collecting, storing, using, and distributing confidential information about a person without their consent is prohibited, except in cases explicitly provided by law. Detailed rules for processing such data are additionally established by the separate Law of Ukraine “On Protection of Personal Data”.

How the Law “On Information” Differs from the Law “On Access to Public Information”

They are often confused. These are different laws.

The Law of Ukraine on Information establishes general rules of informational relations: the concept of information, its types, human rights, access restrictions, protection of personal data, journalists’ work rules, and responsibility.

The Law “On Access to Public Information” regulates a more specific situation — obtaining already existing public information held by authorities and other custodians defined by law. Its current text is available in the legislation database of the Verkhovna Rada.

For example, if a citizen wants to obtain a document from the city council, questions about deadlines and the procedure for responding to an information request are primarily regulated by the law on access to public information.

What the Law Says About Journalists and Censorship

A separate section of the law is devoted to the work of journalists and media.

Article 24 prohibits censorship and illegal interference in the professional activities of journalists. It is not allowed to force prior approval of materials, ban coverage of certain topics, or persecute journalists for lawful professional activities except in cases provided by law.

A journalist also has the right to carry out audio and video recording during professional duties, attend open events of authorities, and not disclose information sources unless a court legally decides otherwise.

What Liability Is Provided for Violations

The Law “On Information” itself does not establish a single universal sanction or fine.

Article 27 foresees that depending on the nature of the violation, there may be:

• disciplinary liability;
• civil-law liability;
• administrative liability;
• criminal liability.

Specific punishment is determined by other norms of Ukrainian legislation. For example, illegal dissemination of personal data, obstruction of a journalist’s work, and unlawful refusal to provide certain information have different legal natures, so the liability differs.

How to Protect Your Right to Information

If an organization, institution or other custodian violates a person’s right to information, it is important first to determine which law applies.

A practical sequence might look like this:

1. Determine exactly which information you want to obtain.
2. Check who is the owner or custodian of that information.
3. Find out whether the information is open or legally restricted in access.
4. Submit an information request, appeal, or other lawful demand.
5. Keep a copy of the request and the institution’s response.
6. If the right is violated, use administrative or judicial remedies.

The method of appeal depends on the situation. Therefore, before going to court, it is important to check not only the Law “On Information” but also special laws of Ukraine regulating specific types of information.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Law of Ukraine “On Information”