Decision pursuant to 6.1, 2024 OIC 78

An institution applied to the Information Commissioner for approval to decline an access request, arguing it was an abuse of the right to access information. The institution estimated the request would generate over 8,200 emails and take years to process, significantly impacting its operations and other requesters' rights. However, the Commissioner found the institution failed to provide sufficient evidence of the request constituting an abuse or demonstrating a link between the estimated workload and interference with other requesters' rights. Consequently, the application was denied.

• Whether the access request constitutes an abuse of the right of access.
• Whether processing the request would overburden the institution and hinder other requesters' access rights.
• The credibility of the institution's estimates regarding workload and processing time.
• The institution's efforts to assist the requester in narrowing the scope of the request.