Right to Know Day considers reliability in the digital age
Accessing reliable public data in the digital age is the theme this year of Bermuda Right to Know Day, led by the Information Commissioner’s Office.
Bermuda joins countries around the world today in commemorating Unesco’s International Day for Universal Access to Information.
The local theme, “Accessing Reliable Public Information in the Digital Age: From Speculation to Facts Using Public Access to Information”, aligns with the global IDUAI theme covering integrity in the digital age.
Together, the campaigns highlight how the statutory right to access public records and information under the Pati Act 2010 serves as Bermuda’s primary tool to counter “viral rumours, online speculation and digital misinformation”.
Speaking on the launch, Jason Outerbridge, the Information Commissioner, said: “This is an exciting and pivotal time for public access rights.
“With the rapid integration of digital technologies and artificial intelligence, alongside the constant flood of unverified content across social media, digital information is everywhere, but how do you verify the facts so that you can ‘know for yourself’ when seeking truth about public decisions and spending?
“The facts are in the public record — every record tells a story. For Bermuda Right to Know Day, the ICO is encouraging the public to understand and actively exercise their Pati rights.
“Whether by exploring the official digital content on the Government’s web portal, discovering the digital collection at the Bermuda National Library or by submitting a formal Pati request to a public authority, the power is in all of our hands to move from speculation to solid, facts using Pati.”
The ICO is hosting a series of interactive public events and digital initiatives designed to engage residents from today until October 2.
This week, the ICO will also announce the winner of its youth social-media campaign competition and formally recognise five public authorities receiving the 2026 Information Commissioner’s Awards.
• Find the Facts Digital Scavenger Hunt [September 28 to October 2]
Launching today on ico.bm and the ICO’s social-media channels, daily clue-based questions will challenge the public to navigate digitally available government records to “Find the Facts” for a chance to win daily prizes
• Man-on-the-Street Public Awareness Interviews [September 28]
The ICO will be joined by videographers from 7 South Productions on the streets of Hamilton asking residents: “What do you want to know?”. Members of the public are invited to step to the microphone, share what public topics matter most to them and join the conversation on civic engagement using Public Access to Information
• noon to 4pm
• Location: Corner of Front Street and Queen Street, Hamilton
• Exploring Bermuda National Library’s Digital Collection — Lunch and Learn [September 29]
Collection Management Librarian, Ellen Hollis, will lead two educational sessions demonstrating how to navigate and search the Bermuda National Library’s Digital Collection to access digital government records. Two sessions will be offered:
• noon to 1.30pm: RSVP is required. To register visit bnl.bm or call 295-2905
• 1.30pm — 3pm: Walk-in session. No RSVP required
• Location: Bermuda National Library, Queen Street, Hamilton
• Find the Facts and Know for Yourself Using Pati [October 2]
The Information Commissioner, Jason Outerbridge, will host a free, interactive public discussion detailing practical steps to request public records and navigate government disclosures in the digital age.
• 12.30pm: Walk-in session. No RSVP required
• Location: Bermuda National Library, Queen Street, Hamilton
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