The purpose, for seeking information under RTI, is IRRELEVANT!! This has been established beyond any doubt, by
CIC decisions, and by courts in USA (under FOIA). Therefore whether a person was seeking information for research or just for fun, the Red Cross must provide it.
The logic of the above decisions goes like this. If PA takes into consideration the reason why a person is asking for information, then PA can deny information based upon his decision as to why a person is asking for information. PA would deny information, and then the courts would have to decide on each case if requester's reason is legitimate or not.
For example, let us say I ask for Red Cross information, claiming that I am a reporter for a newspaper, and have reason to believe that there was irregularity within Red Cross. The
PIO at Red Cross will have to check my credentials with the newspaper I claim to work for. Then
PIO might say that he wants to know the reason why I believe there was irregularity within Red Cross. Only if
PIO is satisfied, he would release the information. Once he releases the information to me, I can publish it on web, or in a newspaper. Everyone can see the information. So what was the purpose of
PIO checking all my credentials etc., before releasing the information.
If some information is public, it is free for all to see, not just those select few who can show that they have some special public interest in mind.