Course Details

Freedom of Information and Digital Rights Compliance Training Course

INTRODUCTION

This essential training course provides comprehensive knowledge and practical skills for ensuring compliance with Freedom of Information (FOI) laws and upholding evolving digital rights. Recognizing that transparency, access to information, and individual control over personal data are foundational pillars of good governance and a democratic digital society, this program equips participants with a systematic understanding of relevant legislation, disclosure obligations, and best practices for managing information in the public interest. Participants will gain deep insights into request handling, exemptions, data subject rights, and the ethical management of digital information, crucial for fostering trust and ensuring legal adherence in the digital age. This course is ideal for public sector employees, information officers, legal professionals, data privacy specialists, and anyone handling public records or digital rights requests.

DURATION

5 days

TARGET AUDIENCE

This course is specifically designed for professionals whose roles involve managing information, responding to public requests, or ensuring digital rights compliance in both public and private sectors, including:

• Public sector information officers and records managers.
• Legal and compliance professionals in government and private entities.
• Data Protection Officers (DPOs) and privacy specialists.
• Communications and public relations professionals.
• IT and cybersecurity personnel involved in data governance.

OBJECTIVES

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental principles of Freedom of Information and digital rights.
• Identify key legal obligations related to public information access and personal data control.
• Apply compliant procedures for handling information requests and data subject rights.
• Recognize and navigate common exemptions and limitations in FOI and digital rights.
• Contribute to fostering a culture of transparency and accountability in information management.

MODULES

Module 1: Foundations of Freedom of Information (FOI)

• Define Freedom of Information and its role in democratic governance.
• Explore the historical development and rationale behind FOI legislation.
• Understand the core principles of proactive disclosure and public access to information.
• Discuss the benefits of transparency for public trust and accountability.
• Examine the scope and applicability of various FOI laws globally and nationally.

Module 2: FOI Request Handling and Process

• Understand the legal requirements for receiving and validating FOI requests.
• Discuss systematic processes for logging, tracking, and managing requests.
• Explore timelines and statutory deadlines for responding to FOI requests.
• Learn about administrative procedures for clarifying and narrowing request scope.
• Examine best practices for internal coordination in processing requests.

Module 3: FOI Exemptions and Refusals

• Identify common statutory exemptions allowing for the refusal of information disclosure.
• Understand the tests for applying exemptions (e.g., harm test, public interest test).
• Discuss the legal basis for refusing vexatious or overly broad requests.
• Explore strategies for redacting sensitive information while disclosing the rest.
• Learn about maintaining clear documentation for exemption justifications.

Module 4: Digital Rights and Their Evolution

• Define digital rights and their connection to human rights in the digital age.
• Understand concepts like freedom of expression online, access to the internet, and digital privacy.
• Discuss the impact of emerging technologies (e.g., AI, surveillance tech) on digital rights.
• Explore the role of international conventions and charters in digital rights protection.
• Examine the ethical dimensions of digital governance and technology use.

Module 5: Data Subject Rights Under Privacy Laws

• Understand the specific rights of data subjects concerning their personal information (e.g., right to access, rectification, erasure, portability).
• Discuss the legal requirements for responding to data subject access requests (DSARs).
• Explore challenges in verifying identity and fulfilling complex DSARs.
• Examine the interplay between FOI requests and personal data requests.
• Learn about legal timelines and exceptions for responding to data subject rights.

Module 6: Proactive Disclosure and Open Data Initiatives

• Understand the legal and policy drivers for proactive disclosure of public information.
• Discuss the benefits of open data initiatives for innovation and transparency.
• Explore legal frameworks for making public datasets available and accessible.
• Examine anonymization and de-identification techniques for sensitive data in open datasets.
• Learn about best practices for publishing information online in a user-friendly format.

Module 7: Records Management and Information Governance for Compliance

• Understand the legal importance of robust records management for FOI and digital rights.
• Discuss legal requirements for information retention, classification, and disposal.
• Explore strategies for managing digital records and electronic communications.
• Examine the role of information governance policies in ensuring compliance.
• Learn about auditing information management practices for adherence to legal standards.

Module 8: Appeals, Enforcement, and Future Trends

• Understand the process for internal reviews and external appeals concerning FOI and digital rights decisions.
• Discuss the role of information commissioners, data protection authorities, and courts in enforcement.
• Explore the legal consequences of non-compliance and official misconduct.
• Examine emerging trends: algorithmic transparency, right to explanation, digital legacy.
• Learn about continuous monitoring and adaptation to evolving information and digital rights laws.

CERTIFICATION

• Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

• Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

• Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com