Austria: Data Protection Authority opened consultation on guidelines on freedom of information Act aimed at balancing freedom of information and personal data protection

On 13 January 2025, the Austrian Data Protection Authority (DSB) opened a public consultation on the guidelines on balancing freedom of information and personal data protection, until 24 February 2025. The guidelines focus on the disclosure of sensitive data, including criminal convictions. It outlines a framework for public and private entities to navigate the legal balance between information access and privacy protection, including checklists for proactive information duties. It clarifies how the General Data Protection Regulation applies to freedom of information laws and provides examples of how to weigh competing interests in data disclosure. The consultation seeks feedback on whether the guidelines effectively address data protection obligations in the context of information access.