What is the term for information that the public has a legal right to know?

The term for information that the public has a legal right to know is public information. This category includes data that is deemed necessary for transparency and accountability, particularly in matters concerning government operations, public records, and safety. Public information is typically accessible to all citizens and includes items like criminal records, court documents, and legislative proceedings.

In contrast, private information involves data that pertains to individuals or entities and is not intended for public dissemination. Confidential information refers to data that is protected due to its sensitive nature, often because it is shared within a trust relationship, such as between a lawyer and client or a doctor and patient. Protected information is a broader term that can encompass both confidential and private data, especially in legal or medical contexts where specific regulations guard that information from public access.