We have processed your request under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act
2000 (FOIA) and we can confirm that we partially hold this information.
Section 43(2) of the FOIA protects information in circumstances where disclosing it
would cause commercial prejudice to any party. In this instance, we believe the
exemption is engaged because the release of on board audio voice announcement
files would prejudice the interests of the voice artists Julie Berry and Matt Streeton,
and supplier Alstom.
Third parties may provide on board audio voice announcements to us for specific
limited purposes and enter into agreements on that basis, for example to support
service delivery, manage stations, provide customer systems or carry out contracted
works. Releasing the requested information into the public domain through FOIA
would harm the voice artists ability to negotiate future commercial work and
releasing files procured from Alstom would reveal valuable system design
information, which give Alstom a competitive advantage.
Section 43(2) is a qualified exemption and subject to a public interest test. We have
set out considerations of the public interest arguments for and against disclosure
below.
There is always a presumption in favour of disclosure. This is because publishing
information under the Act increases transparency and openness, and promotes
public sector accountability. However, voice announcements do not provide an
insight into how we manage public funds or make us more accountable. The voice
announcements are of private interest to a limited number of people and their
disclosure serves no wider public benefit.
Set against disclosure of the information in question is the fact that upon consultation
with the relevant third parties, the voice artists and Alstom, they have requested that
they are not disclosed. Voice artists have identified that other individuals are able to
profit from having access to audio files and we consider there is risk through AI and
voice cloning to cause further potential commercial harm to voice artists. Alstom
have confirmed that disclosure could cause significant material loss and prejudice
their competitive position, competitors could leverage insights to improve their own
position.
It should not be the case that individuals or private organisations are disadvantaged
by doing business with the public sector, and it is in the public interest for suppliers
and partners to be able to continue supporting passenger services efficiently and
effectively.
We would also note the public interest in GTR maintaining strong relationships with
suppliers, service providers, contractors and other commercial partners. The
disclosure of such information against the wishes of the voice artists and Alstom
could reduce our ability to secure value for money, obtain candid commercial
engagement, or procure services on the best available terms. It is in the public
interest for us not to harm these relationships by disclosing information in
circumstances where it is inappropriate to do so.
We are ultimately of the view that this information should be withheld under section
43(2)
