Do freedom of information rules apply to electronic communications like email and voicemail?

Freedom of Information (FOI) rules indeed apply to electronic communications, including email and voicemail. This application stems from the principle that public access to information should cover all types of records held by public bodies, regardless of the format in which the information is stored. Electronic communications, just like paper records, are considered part of the official documentation and should be accessible under FOI laws.

The rationale for applying FOI rules to electronic formats is rooted in promoting transparency and accountability within governmental and public institutions. As technology evolves, communications that occur in electronic formats are still vital to understanding decisions, actions, and policies taken by these entities. Therefore, emails and voicemails can be subject to requests for access in the same manner as traditional written documents.

This very principle ensures that all public communications—be they written, spoken, or electronic—are subject to scrutiny and can be requested by individuals, enhancing the democratic process.