I think this may be one of the small but significant differences between
FOIA and FOISA. I'm not aware of any similar advice on the IOC's
website.
-----Original Message-----
From: This list is for those interested in Data Protection issues
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of David Fildes
Sent: 30 May 2006 14:13
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [data-protection] Anonymity when making FOI requests of
your own organisation
The advice from the Scottish Information Commissioner, as the regulator
of FoISA, is quite clear on the issue of the requester's address for a
reply:
"Do I have to provide my real name and my full address when I ask for
information?
The Act says that a request must include the name of the applicant and
an address for correspondence. The Commissioner has confirmed that an
e-mail address is sufficient when you are asking for information.
However, if you send your request by email, you must give your name in
the body of the email to fulfil the requirement that the name of the
applicant is given. Even if your name appears in your email address
(e.g. [log in to unmask]) you must add your name to the text of your
request, so that it is clear who the email is from.
You must give your real name, as the public authority does not have to
answer your request if you have used a false name or pseudonym. The
Commissioner will not be able to carry out an investigation if he finds
out that you have used a false name.
If you have particular reasons for not wanting to reveal your identity
to the public authority, you should ask a friend or family member to
make the request for information."
Note the advice that the Commissioner will not investigate if the
requester has given a false name.
David
David Fildes
Head of Data Protection & Freedom of Information Office, University of
Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ
tel: 0141 330 5146
-----Original Message-----
From: This list is for those interested in Data Protection issues
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Tony Bowden
Sent: 30 May 2006 13:19
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [data-protection] Anonymity when making FOI requests of
your own organisation
On Tue, May 30, 2006 at 12:43:33PM +0100, Broom, Doreen wrote:
> I thought you couldn't be anonymous anymore..i.e.
> [log in to unmask] cannot be used and I thought they now have to
> provide an address. Correct me if I am wrong.
I make FoI requests on a regular basis (probably average about one a
week), and I never volunteer my address. I have a standard line in my
requests stating that the information should ideally be provided via
their website, or, if that's not possible, via email to me. I only
provide an address if the information is only available in hard copy. I
can only think of 3 or maybe 4 times I've had to give this out.
As an aside, I've never actually had anyone provide the information via
their website or any other form of simultaneous disclosure...
Tony
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