FOIA Basics
What does FOIA stand for?
Freedom of Information Act
Can non-U.S. citizens file FOIA requests?
Yes
What does “exemption” mean in FOIA?
A reason the government can legally withhold information
What must a FOIA request include?
A clear description of the records being requested
FOIA is often called the law that keeps citizens… what?
Informed
What year did FOIA go into effect?
1967
Can businesses file FOIA requests?
Yes
Name one FOIA exemption.
National security
Where can you submit a FOIA request?
By email, web form, mail, or fax to the agency
What kind of digital records are now covered by FOIA?
Emails, PDFs, and other electronic documents
What is the main goal of FOIA?
To give the public access to federal government records
What kind of agencies must respond to FOIA?
Federal executive branch agencies
Why might law enforcement records be withheld?
To avoid interfering with investigations or revealing confidential sources
What act improved FOIA in 2016?
FOIA Improvement Act
Which branch of government is excluded from FOIA?
Legislative and Judicial branches
Federal executive branch agencies
Emails, memos, reports, contracts, and other written or digital documents
What kind of financial info is protected?
Trade secrets and commercial or financial information
What happens if an agency denies your request?
You can appeal the decision or take legal action
What social media platforms can contain FOIA-covered records?
Twitter, Facebook, and other platforms used for official communication
What major update was made to FOIA in 2016?
The FOIA Improvement Act, which expanded digital access and required agencies to proactively disclose records
What is one reason a request might be denied?
If the records fall under one of FOIA’s 9 exemptions
How many total exemptions does FOIA have?
9
What is the role of federal courts in FOIA disputes?
They review appeals and can order agencies to release records
What’s one challenge agencies face with FOIA today?
Backlogs and delays due to high volume of requests