FT/EA/2025/0106 - [2025] UKFTT 01279 (GRC)

The activities of major technology companies in respect of copyright material have been a subject of public scrutiny and debate for some years. In his submissions the Appellant has submitted a range of trenchant comments made by parliamentary committees on the issue. The nature and range of the debate is well understood in the public sphere. At the time of his request a further step had been taken by HMG in moving on from the policy position described in the request as the “previously proposed plan”. In response to the IC decision further information was disclosed. While an understanding of the evolution of policy is of value, the public interest in a policy which has been left behind is somewhat diminished.

On the other side of the ledger the disclosure would still do harm to international relations (s27), would represent a significant blow to legal professional privilege with its inbuilt interest in ensuring that individuals and organisations have confidence that the can obtain legal advice about their position in confidence as well as the ability of the IPO to hear the concerns of consultees in private. The disclosure of names of less senior staff adds nothing of weight to public understanding.

The decision of the IC is correct in law and this appeal is without merit.

The appeal is dismissed.