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ISSUES: Privacy
Chapter 1: What is privacy?
Freedom of Information (FOI): at a glance
FOI gives you
a right to
receive
information
FOI applies
to public
authorities
The FOI right
covers
recorded
information
Public
authorities
must
help you –
it’s their duty
Your request
must be made
in writing (by
letter or
email)
Information
can only be
witheld if the
law allows it
Information is
usually provided
free of charge
Authorities
must respond
within 20
working days
Most requests
result in
the information
being provided
Contact the
Commissioner
for information
and advice
If you’re unhappy
you can
appeal
Source: Scottish Information Commissioner, itspublicknowledge.info
In you want
environmental
information
di erent
rules
apply
