The Information Commissioner’s Office has published new guidance to help public authorities to manage AI-generated freedom of information requests.
The data watchdog said public authorities are seeing an increase in the volume and complexity of requests generated using AI tools, including requests that misquote legislation or require significant clarification before they can be processed.
Amid the rise in AI usage, the number of FOI requests received by government departments and agencies has reached record highs. The latest statistics, published by the Cabinet Office last week, showed that monitored bodies received 94,526 FOI requests in 2025, up from 83,041 in 2024, the largest number of requests in one year since monitoring began in 2005.
The ICO has warned that without clear, practical support, the increasing use of AI "risks placing pressure on FOI teams and could lead to delays, errors or increased complaints".
The new guidance is designed to address these challenges and help organisations meet their statutory obligations while continuing to operate effectively.
It covers practical issues FOI practitioners are encountering, including:
- Requests generated using AI that misinterpret or misquote FOI legislation
- Managing higher volumes of requests that require clarification or refinement
- Maintaining fair and consistent handling of requests, regardless of how they are created
The guidance also includes examples of practical wording public authorities can use to encourage responsible use of AI by requesters and support clearer, more effective FOI requests.
Deborah Clark, upstream regulation manager at the Information Commissioner’s Office, said: “FOI practitioners have told us clearly that the rise in AI-generated requests is changing the day-to-day reality of their work. They are seeing higher volumes of requests, a greater complexity of requests, and more cases that need careful clarification before they can be processed.
“This guidance is about giving teams practical, sensible support, not adding new burdens. It does not change the law or create new requirements, instead it helps teams apply existing FOI principles consistently, regardless of how a request is created.”
Clark added: “Used responsibly, AI also has the potential to help public authorities improve how they handle FOI requests, and this guidance sits alongside our wider work to support innovation that delivers real benefits for organisations and the public.
“Our aim is to support and maintain effective access to information for everyone, all the while making sure FOI services remain workable and resilient as technology continues to evolve.”
The guidance applies to all public authorities subject to the Freedom of Information Act.