If the bill is adopted, the Right of Access to Information Act will become a dead letter, GONG said, adding that the bill had been amended in many parts, but that crucial things remained undefined.
The statement said that the bill was contrary to the principle of openness and transparency of the work of state bodies and that only the most persistent citizens would fight to prove their right to information.
GONG wondered what would happen if a document that aims to cover up a criminal offence or abuse of office or any illegal activity was declared secret.
"Whom will we citizens be able to approach and to whom will we be able to present our complaints in such cases? Who will check decisions made by state bodies, and who will protect the interests of the public and their right of access to information?" the statement read, adding that there was no such body.
GONG urged the authorities to amend the Right of Access to Information Act before the Data Confidentiality Bill was adopted, saying that otherwise the bill would be a blow to democracy and civil rights.