Commentary on Sections Introduction Section 178: Making complaints etc electronically
434.This section clarifies that complaints to the Commissioners may be made in ways other than on paper, by providing that references in the legislation to doing something in writing include it being done in writing electronically, for example by e-mail or text message.
435.The new section makes one exception to the ability to communicate electronically. A Minister of the Crown or an authority subject to investigation by the Commissioners may give notice to the Commissioners to prevent them from disclosing information where they consider that it is in the public interest to do so. Any such notice must be given in traditional hard copy form.