Understanding FOIA
The Freedom of Information Act, commonly known as FOIA, is a federal law that allows for the full or partial disclosure of previously unreleased information and documents controlled by the United States government. It promotes transparency and accountability by giving individuals the right to access government records.
What Does FOIA Stand For?
FOIA stands for the Freedom of Information Act. It was enacted in 1966 and has since been amended several times to improve access to government information for the public.
How Does FOIA Work?
Under FOIA, any person has the right to request access to federal agency records or information. The agency is required to disclose the information unless it falls under one of nine exemptions, such as classified national security information or personal privacy.
Examples of FOIA Requests
- Journalists requesting documents related to a government investigation.
- Advocacy groups seeking information on environmental policies.
- Individuals seeking their own government records.
Case Studies
In 2016, a FOIA request led to the release of Hillary Clinton’s emails during her time as Secretary of State, sparking controversy and influencing the presidential election.
Statistics on FOIA
According to the Department of Justice, there were over 800,000 FOIA requests made in 2020, a record high. However, agencies only fully disclosed information in about 23% of cases.
