William Stevenson v The Information Commissioner
[2023] UKFTT 689 (GRC)
Johm McTighe v Information Commissioner
11 October 2023
[2023] UKFTT 830 (GRC)
First-tier Tribunal
Someone asked the police for information about a possible wrongdoing. The police said no because giving an answer would reveal private information about someone being investigated. A judge agreed with the police.
Key Facts
- •John McTighe requested information from South Wales Police (SWP) regarding an investigation into inaccurate bus passenger figures.
- •SWP refused the request under section 40(5) FOIA, citing the protection of personal data.
- •The Information Commissioner (ICO) upheld SWP's refusal.
- •McTighe appealed to the First-tier Tribunal (FTT).
- •The FTT dismissed the appeal.
Legal Principles
Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) - Duty to confirm or deny
FOIA section 1(1)(a)
FOIA - Exemption for personal data protection
FOIA section 40(5B)(a)(i)
UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) - Lawful processing of personal data
UK GDPR Article 5(1)(a), Article 6(1)(f)
Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA) - Definition of personal data and processing
DPA section 3(2), 3(4)(d)
Outcomes
Appeal dismissed
Confirming or denying the request would disclose personal data of the individual under investigation, breaching UK GDPR Article 5(1)(a). The appellant's legitimate interest did not outweigh the data subject's right to privacy.