What is the FOI Act?
The Freedom of Information Act (‘the Act’) was passed on 30 November 2000 and came into force in January 2005. It gives the public a right of access to all types of recorded information held by public authorities, but also sets out exemptions from that right. The term ‘public authority’ is defined in the Act and includes all public bodies and Government departments in the UK. The BBC and other public service broadcasters are only covered by the Act for some purposes of our work.
Related Questions
- How do I ask for information under the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act or submit a Subject Access Request under the Data Protection Act?
- What is the difference between asking for documents under the Privacy Acts and the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act?
- Is the data be available under the Freedom of Information Act (FOI)?
