ICO Rules BFI Requests Vexatious, No Further Action

ICO Decision Notices

Filed February 27th, 2026

Detected March 6th, 2026

Summary

The UK's Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has ruled that the British Film Institute (BFI) was justified in deeming information requests vexatious under FOIA section 14(1). The ICO found no further action was required from the BFI.

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What changed

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has issued a decision notice regarding requests made to the British Film Institute (BFI). The ICO determined that the BFI was entitled to classify the complainant's information requests concerning the 'African Odyssey' screening strand as vexatious, citing section 14(1) of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The Commissioner also found that the BFI complied with its duty to provide advice and assistance under section 16(1) of FOIA.

As a result of this decision, the ICO requires no further action from the BFI. This ruling effectively closes the case, confirming the BFI's handling of the requests and indicating that no remedial steps are necessary. The decision serves as a precedent for how public bodies can handle requests deemed vexatious under the FOIA.

Source document (simplified)

British Film Institute

Date 27 February 2026
Sector Other
Decision(s) FOI 14(1): Not upheld, FOI 16(1): Not upheld The complainant requested from the British Film Institute (BFI) information concerning BFI and the African Odyssey screening strand. BFI deemed the requests vexatious under section 14(1) (vexatious request) of FOIA. The Commissioner’s decision is that the requests are vexatious and BFI was entitled to rely on section 14(1) of FOIA to refuse to comply with the requests. He is satisfied that BFI complied with the requirements of section 16(1) (advice and assistance) of FOIA. The Commissioner does not require BFI to take any steps as a result of this decision.