Correspondence relating to ReportHate: FOI release

Information requested

Can you provide copies of any communications (emails / letters / direct messages) staff at the Equality Inclusion & Human Rights Directorate have sent to or received from the organisation advertised online as reporthate.scot

Can you please provide copies of minutes of any meetings staff from the Equality Inclusion & Human Rights Directorate have held to discuss the organisation advertised online as reporthate.scot

Can you please provide copies of minutes of any meetings staff from the Equality Inclusion & Human Rights Directorate have held with Police Scotland to discuss the organisation advertised online as reporthate.scot

Can you please provide copies of any communications (emails / letters / direct messages) between staff at the Equality Inclusion & Human Rights Directorate and MSPs which refer to the organisation advertised online as reporthate.scot or refer to its founder Ameer Din.

Response

I enclose a copy of some of the information you requested.

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance we are unable to provide some of the information you have requested because an exemption(s) under section(s) 30(b)(i)(free and frank advice) and section 38(1) (personal information) of FOISA applies to that information.

The Scottish Government has responded to correspondence received from Mr. Din in February and March 2026. It is the discussion around responding to this correspondence that exemptions under section 30(b)(i) (free and frank advice) apply to.

These exemptions apply as disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit the free and frank exchange of views between Ministers and officials. These exemptions recognise the need for Ministers and officials to have a private space within which to discuss issues and options with each other and with stakeholders before reaching a view as the Scottish Government.

Officials and representatives from Police Scotland held an initial meeting with reporthate.scot to gain a general understanding of the platform. Engagement with stakeholders relevant to a policy area is a routine part of policy development, and given the nature of this meeting, no note was taken.

As the released documents indicate, the Scottish Government is aware of the platform; however, it has not undertaken substantive engagement, nor has it had any role in the development or operation of this site.

Under section 38 (1) (personal information) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, some personal information has been redacted from the enclosed documents.

About FOI

The Scottish Government is committed to publishing all information released in response to Freedom of Information requests. View all FOI responses at https://www.gov.scot/foi-responses.

FOI 202600514681 - Information Released - Documents

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