What You Need Know If You Are Affected by a Freedom of Information Request

Under the access and privacy legislation, everyone has a right to request access to records held by Ontario’s public institutions. All institutions are required by law to protect your personal information, and to follow strict rules when handling it. Your personal privacy is a key consideration when institutions decide whether to release records when they have been requested by another individual or organization. If someone asks for records that include your personal information, you are considered an affected party (or a third party) to that request. You have certain rights because you may have an interest in the outcome of the request and the availability on your personal information.

Our new fact sheet seeks to answer some of the common questions you may have about the freedom of information process. This document is part of a series designed to keep the public and professionals up to date with the IPC’s interpretations of access and privacy laws.