Once-Only Principle
Citizens only provide data once.
How the laws define this
Both instruments establish that government entities should not require repeated submissions of data or paperwork once the state already holds that information, explicitly aiming to reduce administrative burdens. However, they diverge regarding subject scope and specified technical implementation. Under Ley 144 de 15 de abril de 2020, que modifica y adiciona artículos a la Ley 83 de 2012, sobre el uso de medios electrónicos para los trámites gubernamentales, y dicta otra disposición, the rule applies specifically to citizens who are exempted from providing documents the state already has in its databases. Conversely, the Malta Digital Strategy 2023–2027 broadens the beneficiary base to include both individuals and businesses submitting required information a single time. Furthermore, the Malta Digital Strategy 2023–2027 uniquely specifies the operational mechanism behind this principle, requiring that submitted data be systematically reused across public services through the secure interlinking of official systems and registers to eliminate redundant filings.
Synthesised from the 2 statutory definitions below. Each one is quoted in full, with its source.
How jurisdictions differ
What is distinctive in each definition, binding law in force first.
| Jurisdiction | Instrument | Status | What is distinctive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panama | Law 144 of April 15, 2020, which modifies and adds articles to Law 83 of 2012, on the use of electronic means for government procedures, and dictates other provisions | In Force (Amended) | Limits the principle to not requiring submission of documents already possessed by the state, focusing on documents rather than general information. |
| Malta | Malta Digital Strategy 2023–2027 | Adopted | Widens the principle to cover information from both individuals and businesses, with explicit secure interlinking of systems and registers for data reuse. |
Definitions (2)
A principle where citizens are not required to submit documents that the state already possesses in its databases, reducing administrative burden.
An administrative simplification principle where individuals and businesses submit required information to government a single time, with that data reused across public services via secure interlinking of systems and registers to eliminate repeated submissions and reduce administrative burden.
Questions and answers
What does the once-only principle mean under Panama's Law 144?
It means citizens are not required to submit documents that the state already has in its databases. This reduces administrative burden in government procedures. Law 144 mandates digital-first services led by the AIG.
How is the once-only principle defined in Malta's digital strategy?
It is an administrative simplification where individuals and businesses submit information once, reused across services through secure system interlinking. This eliminates repeated submissions and cuts burden. The strategy emphasises people-centred digital public services.
Is the once-only principle legally binding in these examples?
In Panama, it is mandated by Law 144, which is in force. In Malta, it is set out in the non-binding Digital Strategy 2023–2027.