Can an organization charge a fee to cover the cost of providing access?
6. A: Yes. The OECD Guidelines recognize that organizations may charge a fee, provided that it is not excessive. Thus organizations may charge a reasonable fee for access. Charging a fee may be useful in discouraging repetitive and vexatious requests. Organizations that are in the business of selling publicly available information may thus charge the organization’s customary fee in responding to requests for access. Individuals may alternatively seek access to their information from the organization that originally compiled the data. Access may not be refused on cost grounds if the individual offers to pay the costs.
