In a presentation to the annual FOI Live conference in London on 24 May 2007, the Information Commissioner said that the transparency and accountability brought by the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA) reinforces good government and urged public bodies to recognise that the FOIA requires a positive approach to openess. However, he also indicated that those making requests under the FOIA had to act responsibly and announced plans to help deter mischevious and pointless requests, including a "Charter for responsible FOI requests" to help prevent requests which had no serious purpose or value, imposed disporportionate burdens or had the effect of harassing a public body.

Source: ICO press release, 24 May 2007.