Open Records Laws › Uruguay

Uruguay

Ley N° 18.381

Ley N° 18.381, Derecho de Acceso a la Información Pública (Law on the Right of Access to Public Information)

Open Records Transparency: 61/100 (good) Transparency Score: 61/100

RTI Rating: 92 (source)

Response Timeline

Initial Response
20 days
Extension
20 days
Residency Required
None

20 business days from submission, with possible one-time extension of 20 business days for exceptional circumstances. Failure to respond without extension is considered improper denial.

How to Submit a Request

Accepted Methods

  • Online form — SAIP system (solicitudes.gub.uy) — requires gub.uy account
  • Online form — Via transparency section forms on individual organism websites
  • In person — Written request to the head of the organism; assistance available
  • Email — Email addresses listed on organism websites

Requests must be submitted in writing to the head of the organism holding the information. For individuals: provide name, surname, ID number, address, contact method. For legal entities: organization name, tax ID (RUT), address, representative identification, proof of representation.

Required Elements

  • Requester identification (name/surname for individuals; organization name for entities)
  • ID number (individuals) or tax ID/RUT (legal entities)
  • Address
  • Contact method (email or phone)
  • Clear description of requested information with locating details

Optional Elements

  • Preferred format/support for receiving information

Fees

Article 17: "El acceso a la información será siempre gratuito" (Access to information is always free). Reproduction costs are at cost price only, reimbursing the agency for the medium without any profit or additional fees.

Exemptions

  • Public Security and National Defense
    Information whose disclosure could compromise public security or national defense
  • International Relations
    Information that could harm conduct of negotiations or international relations, including confidential information from other states
  • Financial and Economic Stability
    Information that could damage the country's financial, economic, or monetary stability
  • Life, Dignity, Security, or Health
    Information that could endanger anyone's life, human dignity, security, or health
  • Commercial Competitiveness
    Information that could result in loss of competitive advantages or damage production process
  • Scientific and Technological Discoveries
    Information that could leave scientific, technological, or cultural discoveries unprotected
  • Deliberative Process
    Information affecting free provision of advice/opinions in deliberative process until decision is adopted

Article 9: all exemptions require justified resolution demonstrating objective elements showing clear, probable, and specific risk of harm to protected public interests. Reserved classifications up to 15 years. CRITICAL OVERRIDE (Article 12): entities cannot invoke confidentiality exemptions when information relates to human rights violations — absolute override for human rights matters.

Appeal Process

1

1

2

2

Two-track: (1) administrative complaint to UAIP (weak oversight — non-binding decisions, no inspection powers); (2) direct judicial action under Article 22 amparo with expedited process. No mandatory internal appeal. Article 18: after 20 business days without response, refusal constitutes serious administrative violation (positive silence doctrine).

Sources & References