What information can be requested under the Freedom of Information Act?
What information can be requested under the Freedom of Information Act?
The Act covers all recorded information held by a public authority. It is not limited to official documents and it covers, for example, drafts, emails, notes, recordings of telephone conversations and CCTV recordings.
What are the nine exemptions to the Freedom of Information Act UK?
Non-absolute Exemptions – public interest test does apply:
| Section of the FOI Act | Exemption |
|---|---|
| S(2) 36 | Prejudice to effective conduct of public affairs |
| S(2) 38 | Health & Safety |
| S(2) 39 | Environmental information |
| S(2) 40 | Personal information relating to a third party |
What information Cannot be released under FOIA?
Information/data that is NOT covered by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) includes: Non-agency records and personal records. Public requests for access to physical artifacts or scientific samples (e.g. core samples, sediment, rocks, fossils, specimen samples, blood samples).
Who regulates the Freedom of Information Act?
the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
FOIA is regulated by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), an independent body.
What can you ask for in a FOIA request?
A FOIA request can be made for any agency record. You can also specify the format in which you wish to receive the records (for example, printed or electronic form). The FOIA does not require agencies to create new records or to conduct research, analyze data, or answer questions when responding to requests.
What can you ask for in a Freedom of Information request?
You can ask for any information you think a public authority may hold. The right only covers recorded information which includes information held on computers, in emails and in printed or handwritten documents as well as images, video and audio recordings.
What are the 9 FOIA exemptions?
Exemptions
- Exemption 1. Protects information that is properly classified in the interest of national security pursuant to Executive Order 12958.
- Exemption 2. Protects records related solely to the internal personnel rules and practices of an agency.
- Exemption 3.
- Exemption 4.
- Exemption 5.
- Exemption 6.
- Exemption 7.
- Exemption 8.
When can a FOIA be denied?
Can the FCC deny my FOIA request? Yes. If the Bureau or Office that is the custodian of the records determines that there are no records responsive to your request, or that one or more of the FOIA exemptions described above applies to the documents you request, your request will be denied in writing.
Why would a FOIA be denied?
Do you have to mention the Freedom of Information Act when requesting information?
You do not have to: mention the Freedom of Information Act or Environmental Information Regulations, although it may help to do so; know whether the information is covered by the Freedom of Information Act or the Environmental Information Regulations; or. say why you want the information.
When can you refuse a FOIA request?
The FOIA provides that when processing requests, agencies should withhold information only if they reasonably foresee that disclosure would harm an interest protected by an exemption, or if disclosure is prohibited by law.