What Is the Freedom of Information Act?
The Freedom of Information Act, or FOIA, is a federal law that gives any person the right to request access to records held by federal executive branch agencies. It reflects a simple principle: the workings of government belong to the public.
A Right to Know
Enacted in 1966 and codified at 5 U.S.C. § 552, FOIA establishes a presumption that records maintained by federal agencies are open to the public. Agencies must disclose requested records unless a specific statutory exemption applies.
You do not need to be a citizen, a journalist, or have a special reason to file a request. The law applies to individuals, organizations, businesses, and the press alike — anyone may ask, and agencies must respond within statutory timeframes.
A Brief History
Signed into law in 1966 and strengthened by major amendments in 1974, 1996, 2007, and 2016, FOIA has evolved alongside technology and public expectations. The 2016 FOIA Improvement Act, for example, codified a presumption of openness and required agencies to make frequently requested records available online.
Who Uses FOIA?
Journalists
Reporters use FOIA to uncover how agencies make decisions, hold power to account, and inform the public.
Researchers
Scholars and students obtain primary-source records to support historical, scientific, and policy research.
Advocates
Nonprofits and watchdog groups request records to monitor government programs and defend civil rights.
Citizens
Members of the public request records about issues that affect their communities, families, and rights.
What FOIA Covers
FOIA applies to records held by federal executive branch agencies — including emails, reports, contracts, data sets, and memoranda. It does not reach Congress, the federal courts, or purely state and local agencies, each of which is governed by separate laws. Agencies may withhold material that falls within one of nine narrow exemptions.
Ready to make a request?
Our step-by-step guide walks you through preparing, addressing, and following up on a Freedom of Information Act request.