Decision pursuant to 6.1, 2025 OIC 47

An institution applied to the Information Commissioner seeking approval to decline an access request, claiming it was vexatious. The institution argued the request was made in retaliation for how a previous request was handled, citing the requester's deadline threat, refusal to narrow the scope, and threats to complain to other commissioners. The Commissioner found the institution did not prove the request was vexatious, noting the requester's explanations for their actions were more plausible. Therefore, the application to decline the request was denied.

• Whether the access request was vexatious, made in bad faith, or an abuse of the right of access.
• Interpretation of the phrase 'further action will be taken' in the context of an access request.
• Whether a requester's refusal to narrow the scope of a request indicates a vexatious purpose.
• Whether the timing and content of the request indicated vexatious intent.