Ofcom - Vexatious FOI Request Regarding Channel 4 Chairs

ICO Decision Notices

Filed March 5th, 2026

Detected March 10th, 2026

Summary

The ICO has decided that Ofcom was entitled to refuse a request for information about Channel 4's former and interim Chairs, deeming the request vexatious under FOI law. No further action is required by Ofcom.

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What changed

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has issued a decision notice regarding a Freedom of Information (FOI) request made to Ofcom concerning Channel 4's former and interim Chairs. The ICO has ruled that Ofcom was justified in refusing the request under section 14(1) of the FOIA, classifying the request as vexatious. Consequently, the Commissioner has determined that Ofcom is not required to take any further steps in relation to this request.

This decision means that Ofcom's refusal stands, and the complainant will not receive the requested information. For regulated entities, this reinforces the ICO's stance on handling vexatious requests and the application of FOI exemptions. No specific compliance actions are mandated for other entities as this is an individual case decision.

Source document (simplified)

Ofcom

Date 5 March 2026
Sector Central government, Regulators
Decision(s) FOI 14(1): Not upheld The Commissioner’s decision is that Ofcom is entitled to refuse the complainant’s request for information about Channel 4’s former and interim Chairs under section 14(1) of FOIA. This is because the request is vexatious. The Commissioner doesn’t require further steps.