Question 1

What are the legal sources on which the right to access information is based?

Accepted Answer

Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights Articles 10 and 13 of the United Nations Convention against Corruption The Arab Convention for Combating Corruption Law No. (9) of 2022 on the Regulation of the Right to Access Information

Question 2

What is meant by “information”?

Accepted Answer

The term “information” refers to the data, statistics, and documents provided by MCIT, including the procedures it undertakes in the performance of its duties.

Question 3

What is the automatic publication of information?

Accepted Answer

MCIT publishes and updates certain information on its platforms proactively, without needing a formal request. This includes: MCIT’s contact information (address, telephone numbers, and regular and electronic email) Regulations, decisions, and instructions governing operations within MCIT, along with its organizational and functional structures, or its Articles of Association, as applicable MCIT’s programs and implementation plans The services provided by MCIT to the public, including electronic services, and the related conditions, timelines, procedures, and forms Data related to tenders and auctions Procedures for submitting grievances and complaints and how they are received Procedures for submitting requests to access information Any other information required to be made available or published under the law

Question 4

What are the legal conditions for using or reusing automatically published information?

Accepted Answer

The information requester may use or reuse information that has been automatically published, provided that: The information is used for lawful purposes. The content of the information is not distorted. The source and date of issuance of the information are clearly cited. The information is not used to harm others or the public interest.

Question 5

Who is entitled to submit an information request?

Accepted Answer

Any natural or legal person may submit a request to MCIT for access to information.

Question 6

What are the timeframes for receiving a response, and how will I get the required information?

Accepted Answer

A decision on your request will be made within fifteen (15) days from the date of its submission. This period may be extended for a similar duration depending on the nature or volume of the requested information. You will be notified via email within seven (7) days from the date of deciding on the request, whether your request was fully accepted, partially accepted, or rejected, along with reasons for any rejection. You may submit an urgent request for information in cases where waiting for the prescribed period may cause actual harm to your personal or financial rights, which is subject to the justifications you provide in your request. In such cases, your request will be decided within two (2) days from the date of submission, and you will be notified of either the acceptance or rejection of the request, along with the reasons for any rejection. If your request is accepted (in full or in part), the information will be emailed to you within seven (7) days of the notification date. For more details on how to request information, please refer to the “Request Submission Steps” section.

Question 7

Can I obtain all types of information?

Accepted Answer

The law excludes certain categories due to sensitivity or legal protection, including but not limited to: Information the access to or disclosure of which may harm the security or economy of the State, its public interest, or its international relations. Information that infringes upon the sanctity of private life. Information that may not be disclosed pursuant to an agreement between the concerned entity and a third party, or that containing trade or professional secrets belonging to another party. Information related to policies, decisions, experiments, or tests that are in the preparation or planning phase. Information the disclosure of which may compromise the course of investigations, hinder the pursuit or apprehension of offenders, or endanger the lives or safety of individuals. Personal information and files, including educational, medical, employment records, or banking accounts and transfers. Information the disclosure of which may violate intellectual property rights or fair competition. Information that is confidential by its nature, protected, or unauthorized for disclosure under the laws in force in the State.

Question 8

What are the reasons for rejecting a request to access information?

Accepted Answer

The requested information is not available. The requested information falls within the scope of exempted information under Article (20) of Law No. (9) of 2022 on the Regulation of the Right to Access Information. The requested information has already been automatically published. The request is unclear. In other necessary cases that prevent fulfilling the request.

Question 9

What can I do if my request got rejected?

Accepted Answer

You may file a grievance in case your request got rejected within thirty (30) days from the date of being notified of the decision by emailing info@mcit.gov.qa. MCIT will decide on the grievance within fifteen (15) days from its submission. If this period lapses without a response, the grievance shall be deemed implicitly rejected.

Question 10

Is there any cost to be paid if the request to access information is approved?

Accepted Answer

Under the law, MCIT may impose a fee not exceeding the actual cost of preparing and delivering the information in its final form.

Question 11

Is it permitted to publish the information obtained through my request?

Accepted Answer

You may not publish or print non-personal information obtained via your request including via media outlets or social media platforms without written permission from MCIT. This permission, if granted, will be sent to your email with the information file. Not granting you the permission shall be considered an implicit refusal to publish or print this information.

Question 12

Are there legal penalties for unauthorized publication?

Accepted Answer

Anyone who discloses, makes available, or reveals to others any information that shall not be disclosed pursuant to Article (20) of Law No. (9) of 2022 on the Regulation of the Right to Access Information is subject to a penalty of imprisonment for a term not exceeding two (2) years and a fine not exceeding two hundred thousand (200,000) Qatari Riyals, or either of these penalties.

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