Ukraine has closed access to key state data: what is being hidden from citizens

Restrictions on access to state data in Ukraine in 2025

According to Главком: In 2025, Ukraine will witness an unprecedented level of restriction on access to state data, raising concerns among citizens. The closure of information pertains to such important aspects as:

• real estate data;
• defense industry enterprises;
• officials' declarations.

In conditions where information transparency is critically important for trust in state institutions, this restriction raises questions about the reasons and consequences of such actions.

According to data, the openness rating of information in Ukraine fluctuates around 44%. The data openness indicator before the onset of the full-scale war was 57.6%, indicating a significant decrease in transparency in public administration. The closure of information about defense industry companies is fragmentary, making it difficult to assess the activities of this sector comprehensively. Additionally, officials have been given the opportunity to remove their declarations from public access, which reduces accountability.

Moreover, the state has closed information about real estate properties, complicating access to important ownership details. Data regarding special measures and desertion have also been closed, which may affect the understanding of the situation in the country. The quality rating of open data in Ukraine stands at 44.21%, highlighting the need to improve access to state information.

Public discussion on transparency and accountability

Thus, the closure of access to key state data raises concerns and necessitates public discussion on the transparency and accountability of government bodies.

The situation regarding restrictions on access to state data in Ukraine reflects the complexity of balancing security and transparency. In wartime, on one hand, government bodies may argue for the necessity of closing certain information to protect national interests, but on the other hand, this raises justified concerns regarding the decrease in officials' accountability and possibilities for corrupt actions. Increasing the level of data openness is an important step towards restoring citizens' trust in state institutions.