Guide to FOIP-Chapter 6

Office of the Saskatchewan Information and Privacy Commissioner. Guide to FOIP, Chapter 6, Protection of Privacy. Updated 27 February 2023. 242 1. Is the information “personal information” as defined by FOIP? Section 24 of FOIP defines “personal information”. See Section 24 earlier in this Chapter. 2. Is there a public interest in the personal information? Public interest means the interest of the general public or of a group of individuals. It does not include the interest of only one individual.686 The criteria for assessing whether there is a public interest in information are as follows:687 (1) Will the records contribute to the public understanding of, or to debate on or resolution of, a matter or issue that is of concern to the public or a sector of the public, or that would be, if the public knew about it? The following may be relevant: • Have others besides the applicant sought or expressed an interest in the records? • Are there other indicators that the public has or would have an interest in the records? (2) Is the applicant motivated by commercial or other private interests or purposes, or by a concern on behalf of the public, or a sector of the public? The following may be relevant: • Do the records relate to a personal conflict between the applicant and the government institution? • What is the likelihood the applicant will disseminate the contents of the records in a manner that will benefit the public? (3) If the records are about the process or functioning of the government institution, will they contribute to open, transparent, and accountable government? The following may be relevant: 686 British Columbia Government Services, FOIPPA Policy Definitions at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/governments/services-for-government/policiesprocedures/foippa-manual/policy-definitions. Accessed December 15, 2022. 687 This criteria was first adopted in SK OIPC Review Report 173-2018 at [23].

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