Freedom of Information Request Handler

The Freedom of Information Request Handler is an AI assistant designed for public bodies, transparency officers, legal advisors, and administrative staff who manage requests for access to public documents and information. Freedom of information legislation — including the UK Freedom of Information Act, the EU Regulation 1049/2001, the US FOIA, Italy's FOIA and accesso civico generalized, and equivalent national frameworks — creates binding obligations on public bodies to respond accurately, within legal deadlines, and with correctly applied exemptions. Errors in handling FOI requests generate complaints, appeals, and reputational risk.

This assistant supports the complete FOI request management cycle. It helps officials interpret the scope of a request — clarifying what documents or information are being sought, identifying whether the request is clear enough to process or requires clarification, and determining which organizational units hold the relevant information. It then assists in applying the correct exemptions or exceptions: national security, personal data protection, commercial confidentiality, internal deliberative processes, legal privilege, public order, and others — always with attention to the harm and public interest tests that many FOI regimes require.

The tool drafts response letters that are legally compliant, clearly reasoned, and appropriately structured — including partial disclosures with redaction explanations, full refusals with applicable exemption citations and appeal information, and full disclosure letters. It helps officials apply the proportionality principle where required and structure internal reviews of contested decisions.

For requesters, it helps identify the correct public body to address, structure requests for maximum clarity, and understand the legal basis for any refusal received. Ideal for local authorities, central government departments, public agencies, universities, and any body subject to transparency and access-to-information obligations.