The Ecuadorian Transparency and Access to Information Law establishes that "[a]ccess to information is a right of the person guaranteed by the State" and requires that government agencies proactively publish functional, operational and financial information. All public institutions and other organizations that receive government monies are required to respond within 10 days to citizens' requests, and to publish information by means accessible to the public. Agencies have one year to set up web sites listing bylaws, regulations, plans, directories, staff salaries, services provided, collective bargain contracts, budgets, auditing results, contracts, acquisitions, credits and loans, among other reports. The Law further grants citizens the right to judicial appeal of denied information, allows judges to decide on releasing information withheld on grounds stipulated by the Law, charges the "Defensor del Pueblo" [Public Ombudsman] to monitor, safeguard and promote the implementation of the Law, requires agencies to report to the Ombudsman and the latter to Congress on access to information practices, and requires universities and education institutions to develop curricula to educate and promote discussion on the citizen's right of access to information. In Spanish.
