This issue brief presents a set of challenges for information accessibility that champions the fundamental right to access information for all individuals, regardless of background or circumstance. By emphasising the eight key principles of universal design, meaningful connectivity, inclusivity, transparency, information integrity, legal conformity, efficiency and flexibility, as illustrated by a number of good practices at national and regional levels across five continents – including Australia – the brief equips policymakers with key inputs necessary to navigate the complexities of the digital age while ensuring equitable access to information.

Connectivity – especially meaningful connectivity – remains the principal barrier to access to information. Meaningful connectivity goes beyond infrastructure; it incorporates reliable and high-speed connections, accessible digital devices, and the skills necessary to navigate the online environment safely and productively. 

The brief delineates key principles for enhancing information accessibility and meaningful access within digital realms and addressing diverse facets such as multilingualism, metadata and interoperability. The document articulates actionable principles for policymakers to foster equitable access to information, thereby fortifying societal resilience and informed decision-making.

The COVID-19 pandemic most clearly illustrated the challenge of guaranteeing universal information accessibility and meaningful connectivity. It showed the necessity for policymakers/regulators to have clear direction and principles in this area. This brief was designed as a contribution to fill this gap by reflecting the learnings from the pandemic as an example of an emergency.

The brief is developed to foster knowledge sharing on other good practices developed and implemented by different stakeholders as well as lessons learned from policies that have failed.