The Global RTI Index–a new tool to compare and contrast right to information laws, indicating strengths and flaws–is under development by Article 19. (Article 19 is an independent human rights organisation that works globally to protect and promote the right to freedom of expression.)

As several RTI laws have been adopted across the world over the past decade, the Global RTI Index will be a valuable tool to evaluate these laws and better understand their structural strengths and weaknesses. Advocates, policy makers and researchers can use the index to make international comparisons of legal provisions and examine a cross-section of experiences. Article 19 is building on a pilot project in Mexico (2009) to release an updated methodology for testing national RTI legislation.

Comments from the RTI community are being accepted until 31st October, 2010, so that feedback can be incorporated into the design of the tool. Suggestions for improvement and comments can be sent to [email protected]. The organisation calls for the following areas to be considered: weighting, exemptions, categories of affirmative publications, and outside laws.