Germany is set to amend its Freedom of Information Act, according to reporting by Deutsche Welle. The government’s proposed changes aim to adjust how the public can request access to official information. Critics argue that the reforms could reduce government transparency by weakening the authorities’ obligation to disclose information. Concerns highlighted in the coverage include the possibility that the amended rules would curb civil society’s access to official records. The criticisms also extend to restrictions that could limit who is able to file information requests, including foreigners, which could narrow the scope of access beyond Germany’s residents. The issue is framed as a balance between administrative or legal changes on one hand and transparency and public oversight on the other. While the sources agree that an amendment is being prepared, they emphasize the same central point: opponents fear the changes would “water down” the act’s effectiveness and make it harder for people outside or within civil society to obtain information from government bodies.