Cheng-Liang Yang v The Information Commissioner & Anor

Cheng-Liang Yang v The Information Commissioner & Anor

The appellant's request, in its amended form, was not shown on the balance of probabilities to be part of a concerted campaign, was not burdensome, and did not meet the high threshold for vexatiousness under section 14(1) FOIA. The University of London's provision of information after internal review was an adequate...

Source-derived case information.

Parties
Appellant: Cheng-Liang Yang; Respondent: The Information Commissioner; Respondent: University of London
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
30 October 2025
Procedural Posture
Appeal / Final Judgment
Outcome
Appeal allowed
Legal Topics
Vexatious Requests, Public Authority Obligations, Burden of Proof, Transparency and Accountability
Administrative Law Freedom of Information Vexatious Requests Public Authority Obligations Burden of Proof Transparency and Accountability

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Parties

Cheng-Liang Yang

Appellant

The Information Commissioner

Respondent

University of London

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Appeal / Final Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the appellant's information request was vexatious under section 14(1) Freedom of Information Act 2000
  2. 2 Whether the University of London was required to take further steps in response to the request

Ratio Decidendi

The appellant's request, in its amended form, was not shown on the balance of probabilities to be part of a concerted campaign, was not burdensome, and did not meet the high threshold for vexatiousness under section 14(1) FOIA. The University of London's provision of information after internal review was an adequate response, and no further steps are required.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed

Orders

  • The Decision Notice is set aside.
  • No further steps required from the University of London.