Labor blames AI bots and ‘foreign actors’ for its move to charge for FOI requests
The Federal Government has revealed plans to implement a mandatory fee for Freedom of Information (FOI) requests. This decision comes in response to concerns that the FOI system is inundated with requests generated by artificial intelligence bots. Officials argue that the influx of these automated requests is straining resources and hindering the ability to process legitimate inquiries. By introducing a fee, the government aims to deter frivolous submissions and streamline the FOI process for genuine users seeking information.
The proposed fee structure is expected to reshape how individuals and organisations approach FOI requests. Critics of the initiative argue that it may create barriers for those who rely on transparency and accountability from the government. However, proponents believe that charging for requests will help maintain the integrity of the FOI system. As the government moves forward with this plan, stakeholders will be closely monitoring its impact on public access to information and the overall effectiveness of the FOI framework in Australia.
Categories: Government Policy, Freedom of Information, Technology Impact
Tags: Federal, Government, Fee, Freedom, Information, Requests, System, AI, Bot, Charges