Transparency

Transparency, in law and governance, is a means for people to secure freedom of information by providing public access to information that governments hold. Transparency is often used by the organizsations that are subject to it, in order to increase their accountability and responsiveness.

In the private sector, transparency often refers to financial statements that show an organization's assets, liabilities, capital structure and results (income statement). In the US, transparency has been defined as "the quality of being open or able to be seen through."

Transparency can be provided through different channels – the information may be available on a website or other media, or it may be provided via mobile apps or smart cards. In some cases, transparency is enforced by law or regulation; in others it might be provided by civil society organizsations alone.