An open-government release is the file an authority gives in answer to a request. FOIA 2000 and the Environmental Information Regulations 2004 exempt certain PII from disclosure. anonym.plus marks that data on your own device, so the disclosure meets the rule.
When this applies
A resident requests authority files under FOIA or the EIR. The pages hold home addresses, National Insurance numbers, and minors' names that the rules exempt.
How anonym.plus handles it
- Open the requested file in anonym.plus on your device.
- The tool flags names, addresses, IDs, and dates.
- Match each flag to the personal-data exemption.
- Black out the exempt PII; leave the open data.
- Review the page so nothing exempt slips through.
- Save the cleared file on your machine.
What you need to provide
- The requested file (PDF, DOCX, TXT, or scan).
- An operator: Redact for the released copy.
- Optional rules to keep officials' titles, not PII.
PII entity types detected
| Category | anonym.plus entity type | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Names | PERSON | resident name → [PERSON] |
| Identifiers | UK_NINO | QQ 12 34 56 C → [NINO] |
| Location | LOCATION | home address → [ADDRESS] |
| Names | PERSON | minor's name → [MINOR] |
| Contact | PHONE_NUMBER | personal mobile → [PHONE] |
| Accounts | UK_BANK | account no. → [ACCOUNT] |
Compliance achieved
- Supports exemptions under FOIA 2000 / EIR 2004.
- Hides PII the rules exempt while open data stays visible.
- Offline work keeps the source file inside the authority.
- 340+ entity types cover IDs, contacts, and locations.
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Limitations & cautions
FOIA and the EIR differ on what is exempt and on the public-interest test. The tool flags PII; which fields you may withhold is a legal judgment. It cannot read the regime for you. Confirm each call against the right rule.
Frequently asked questions
Do FOIA and the EIR exempt the same data?
Not exactly. Each regime has its own tests, and the EIR favours disclosure of environmental data. anonym.plus flags candidate PII so you apply the right exemption.
Can I keep officials' names in the release?
Often yes. A senior official acting in their role is usually disclosable. Use an allow-list to keep titles while you redact private residents' details.
Is the source ever uploaded?
No. The app runs offline, so the authority file stays on your device during the review.