What is information for the purposes of RTI?

Section 5 of the Right to Information Act 2009 defines information as:

• anything by which words, figures, letters or symbols are recorded and includes a map, plan, graph, drawing, and photograph; and
• anything in which information is embodied so as to be capable of being reproduced.

This definition is very broad and covers practically anything a public authority or agency could create, not just written documents. It can include emails, text messages, databases, and things such as CCTV and audio recordings. More information can be found in the Ombudsman’s Manual Chapter 1.2.3 or page 11 of the online version of the Ombudsman’s Manual.