It allows for the full or partial disclosure of previously unreleased information and documents controlled by the united states government. Enacted by congress in 1966, and expanded in 1996 to cover electronic records,1 the united states freedom of information act foia2 generally provides that any person has the right to obtain access to information contained in the records of federal agencies, unless such information is specifically protected from disclosure by foia. Below is the full text of the freedom of information act in a form showing all amendments to the statute made by the foia improvement act of 2016. In 1966 congress adopted the freedom of information act foia, acting on the principle that government should be transparent to the governed. Access to documents freedom of information could fuel public. The freedom of information act, as amended by the foia improvement act of 2016 doj reply to congressional questions on foia policy, june 10, 20 in reply to february 4, 20 letter office of information policy oi guidance. Foia legislative history george washington university.
The act provides public access to full and complete information regarding the affairs of government and the official acts and policies of those who represent them. The worlds first freedom of information act anders chydenius. And yet, history shows that empowering the citizenry as a check on the government has worried many members of the executive branch, including presidents of both parties, and reminds us that citizens must be. Memorandum for will sparks and bob hardesty from robert e. There are still conspiracy theories but the foi act has improved the quality of the u. Freedom of information act united states wikipedia. The freedom of information act was passed in 1966and it was the very first law in american history that gave regular citizens the legal footing to compel the government to release internal documents. Prior to enactment, there were several years of congressional hearings about the need for a disclosure law. Its purpose is to provide transparency and allow citizens to know what is going on in their government. Based on the principle that an informed public is essential to the democratic process, the freedom of information act foia, which can be found at section 552 of title 5 of the united states code u. Freedom of information act 2011 laws of the federation of nigeria arrangement of sections 1. Information covered by this scheme is outlined in annex 1. What is the freedom of information act foia the freedom of information act foia is a federal law that gives any person, including u.
The freedom of information act foia was enacted in 1966 and went into effect in. The freedom of information act foia is a law that gives you the right to access information from the federal government. The following is an overview of the fccs foia rules, how foia requests work and how you can file a foia request with the fcc. The freedom of information act foia is a federal law that gives any person, including u. Johnson, box 195, 7466 statement by the president upon signing the freedom of information act document 5. Under the federal freedom of information act and public records laws in all 50 states, anyone can request information from federal, state and local agencies like the fbi, the environmental protection agency or your local police department. These amendments effected the first substantive changes to the foia since its initial enactment in 1966 pub. Creating a new era of open government, department of justice, april 17, 2009 attorney general holders policy memorandum on. Enacted in 1966, the freedom of information act foia is a federal law that establishes the publics right to obtain information from federal government agencies. Freedom of information act of 1966 by leah jones on prezi. Reporters and investigators have greatly benefitted from this legislation in uncovering corruption, waste, and incompetence. The freedom of information act is the law that gives you access, with certain exceptions, to documents and records about the functions, procedures, policies, decisions and operations of federal government departments and agencies. Freedom of information act of 1966 before the foi act, many people believed in conspiracy theories based solely on the fear of their government hiding information. Freedom of information act and amendments of 1974 library of.
Lbjs daily diary, which is the first indication the dog that didnt bark that something was amiss on. Freedom of info around the world national democratic institute. It is often described as the law that keeps citizens in. In keeping with the wondrous and mysterious ways of washington, dc, the foia was repealed the next day. In response to this trend, congress passed the acts which this article discusses. All agency records must be made available to the public under the freedom of information act foia, except for records that are. Freedom of information act 1966 congressional timeline. The basic function of the freedom of information act is to ensure informed citizens, vital to the functioning of a democratic society. The freedom of information act, 5 usc 552 cia foia foia. Background, legislation, and policy issues congressional research service summary the freedom of information act foia. Since 1967, the freedom of information act foia has provided the public the right to request access to records from any federal agency. This installment of law and the publics health provides an overview of the federal freedom of information act foia. See freedom of information laws by country for similar laws in other jurisdictions. The freedom of information act biblioteca legal ambiental.
I am requesting information or records on extraterrestrial alien involvement in the assassination of president. Lots of things can inspire public records or freedom of. Johnson on july 4, 1966, that granted american citizens the right to see the contents of files maintained about them by federal executive branch agencies, including the federal bureau of investigation, the state and defense departments, and the internal. On july 4, 1966, the freedom of information act foia was enacted, with an effective date one year later, july 4, 1967. The act defines agency records subject to disclosure, outlines mandatory disclosure procedures, and defines nine exemptions to the statute. Freedom of information act 1992 reprinted as in force on 1 july 2009 reprint no. The freedom of information act department of justice. Extension of time limit for granting or refusing application 7. Freedom of information act foia health information. Freedom of information act of 1966 amending section 3 of the ad ministrative. Freedom of information act of 1966 the first amendment. In a democratic system, citizens have the right to hold government accountable for its actions by exercising first amendment freedoms, by means of the election process, and by use of the court system to.
It outlines mandatory disclosure procedures and grants nine exemptions to the law. The need to know standard has now been replaced by a right to know standard. Freedom of information act 1966 a law passed in 1966 that requires federal executive branch and regulatory agencies to make information available to journalists, scholars, and the public unless it falls into one of several confidential categories. The freedom of information act of 1966, or foia, is a federal law that requires any federal organization to disclose records, documents, or other materials to the general public upon request. Introduction the freedom of information act, or foia 5 u. This right of access is subject to nine statutory foia exemptions, which provide agencies the authority to withhold records in whole or in part. Properly classified as secret in the interest of national defense or foreign policy. Not to worry, a virtually identical foia was enacted on july 5, 1967, and was effective from july 4, 1967. House report 891497, clarifying and protecting the right of the public to information, to accompany s.
The method by which information published under this scheme will be made available 3. Kintner, remarks for the president on signing freedom of information bill, june 21, 1966. The law defines agency records subject to disclosure. Freedom of information act federal communications commission. The 1966 freedom of information act requires most federal agencies to open their files to requests for information by citizens. All newly enacted provisions in boldface type replace the strikethrough text.
Freedom of information act requests as a state institution, the university of illinois is subject to the illinois freedom of information act foia. The freedom of information act foia is a federal law that generally provides that any person has a right. Information that is no longer readily available as it is contained in files that have been placed in archive storage, or is difficult to access for similar reasons. The freedom of information act foia, which can be found in title 5 of the united states code, section 552, was signed into law in 1966 and provides that any person has the right of access to federal agency records or information. Johnson library, special files, 19271973, statements of lyndon b. Freedom of information act foia, federal act signed into law by u. Washington, dc, 4 july 2006 forty years ago on july 4, 1966, lyndon johnson signed the landmark freedom of information act while vacationing at his texas ranch.