What is a redaction decision under FOI law?

When to redact, who decides, and how to document redaction choices for accountability.

Published 2026-06-08

Redaction is a legal act

Redaction is not a technical afterthought. It is part of the disclosure decision: which information is public and which is withheld or masked.

Grounds may include privacy (GDPR), ongoing investigations, or other statutory exceptions.

Only staff with formal mandate should approve redactions. AI suggestions do not replace that mandate.

Anonify supports reviewers with detection; accountability stays with the authority.

Maintain an audit trail: who redacted what, when, and on which legal ground.

This protects the organisation if the decision is challenged or reviewed by the DPO or regulator.

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