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FOIA

Data Protection

Definition

US law enabling public access to government records.

Technical Details

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a U.S. federal law enacted in 1966 that allows individuals to request access to records from any federal agency. It is grounded in the principle that the public has a right to know about government activities. Agencies are required to disclose information unless it is protected from disclosure by one of nine exemptions or three special law enforcement record exclusions. FOIA requests can include any recorded information, such as emails, reports, and other documents, and agencies are obligated to respond within a certain timeframe.

Practical Usage

FOIA is utilized by journalists, researchers, and the general public to obtain government documents that may reveal information about government operations, decisions, and policies. In a cybersecurity context, FOIA can be used to request information related to government cybersecurity initiatives, incident reports, and security policies, allowing for greater transparency and accountability. Organizations often use FOIA requests to gather data for analysis and reporting on cybersecurity trends and vulnerabilities.

Examples

Related Terms

Open Government Data Privacy Act Government Transparency Public Records Data Disclosure
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