Information Commissioner

The complainant made a freedom of information request to the ICO for correspondence with the Department for Culture Media and Sport regarding the changes to the e-privacy directive. The ICO disclosed some information falling within the scope of the request but other information was withheld under the section 36(2)(b)(ii) (inhibit free and frank exchange of views) and section 42 (legal professional privilege) exemptions. The Commissioner has investigated the complaint and has found that both exemptions are engaged and the public interest in maintaining each exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosure. The Commissioner requires no steps to be taken.