How to install Alaveteli on a cloud server like AWS?

Follow the installation guide on alaveteli.org, which involves setting up Ruby 3.4, a database (likely PostgreSQL), and a web server. It's best for developers familiar with Rails deployment, as it requires manual configuration and may not have one-click solutions.

Can Alaveteli handle private or anonymous requests?

No, it's designed for public FOI archives to promote transparency. For private systems, you'd need to heavily modify the codebase, which isn't a supported use case and could break core functionality.

Alaveteli vs custom-built FOI website: which is better?

Alaveteli saves time with its standardized platform and community support, but if you need unique features, a different tech stack, or have specific legal requirements, building custom might offer more flexibility at a higher cost.

How to add a new language to an Alaveteli site?

Since it's internationalized, you can contribute translations via locale files, but the process requires editing code and following the project's documentation, which may involve community review for integration.

What are the hosting costs and requirements for Alaveteli?

It runs on Ruby on Rails, so you'll need a VPS or dedicated server with sufficient resources for the app, database, and traffic. Costs can be moderate to high, depending on scale and maintenance needs.

How to customize the design and theme of Alaveteli?

You can modify the Rails views and assets, but it requires knowledge of Rails and front-end technologies. There's no drag-and-drop theme system, so expect to write custom CSS and HTML.

Is Alaveteli suitable for a small NGO with limited tech skills?

Only if you have access to developer resources, as deployment and upkeep demand technical expertise. Consider partnering with civic tech groups or hiring a developer to manage it effectively.

Open-Awesome

alaveteli

NOASSERTIONRuby0.46.0.0

An open-source platform for creating Freedom of Information (FOI) request websites for any jurisdiction.

Visit Website GitHub

416 stars202 forks0 contributors

What is alaveteli?

Alaveteli is an open-source software platform for creating websites that facilitate Freedom of Information (FOI) requests to public bodies. It provides a standardized, internationalized system that allows citizens to submit, track, and publicly archive FOI requests and responses, promoting government transparency.

Target Audience

Civic organizations, journalists, activists, and developers who want to deploy FOI request portals for specific countries or regions.

Value Proposition

It offers a proven, customizable framework that reduces the cost and complexity of building FOI request systems from scratch, while fostering a global community to continuously improve transparency tools.

Overview

Provide a Freedom of Information request system for your jurisdiction

Use Cases

Best For

Launching a country-specific FOI request website like WhatDoTheyKnow
Civic tech projects focused on government accountability and transparency
Organizations needing a public archive for FOI requests and responses
Adapting FOI request systems to different legal jurisdictions
Building multilingual platforms for accessing public information
Creating collaborative, open-source tools for civic engagement

Not Ideal For

Organizations requiring private, internal request systems without public archiving
Teams seeking a low-code or SaaS solution for rapid deployment without technical setup
Projects in jurisdictions without established FOI laws or where public disclosure is legally restricted
Developers prioritizing modern, JavaScript-heavy single-page applications over server-rendered Rails apps

Pros & Cons

Pros

Proven International Framework

Based on WhatDoTheyKnow, it has been successfully deployed in multiple countries like the UK, New Zealand, and Australia, demonstrating real-world reliability and adaptability.

Strong Community Collaboration

Backed by an active developers mailing list and global contributors, as noted in the README, ensuring continuous improvement and support through shared expertise.

Public Transparency Focus

Designed to make FOI requests and responses publicly accessible, promoting accountability with features like a public archive, which is core to its philosophy.

Jurisdiction Adaptability

Customizable for different legal systems, as evidenced by examples like KiMitTud in Hungary, though this requires significant configuration work.

Standardized Development Platform

Provides a consistent framework that reduces development overhead, as it's a fork from a mature codebase, saving time compared to building from scratch.

Cons

Complex Deployment Process

Installation requires following external instructions and setting up Ruby 3.4 with dependencies, which the README admits is a focus area but remains non-trivial for newcomers.

Technology Stack Lock-in

Built on Ruby on Rails, it ties users to a specific ecosystem, limiting flexibility for teams using other frameworks or needing microservices architectures.

High Customization Effort

Adapting to different jurisdictions involves legal and technical work, as acknowledged in the documentation, which can be resource-intensive for small teams.

Limited Out-of-the-Box Features

Focuses solely on FOI requests, so integrating additional civic tech tools or modern web features requires custom development, not supported natively.

Frequently Asked Questions

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