Are FOIA requests themselves public record?

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests are not confidential. Once a FOIA request is received, it becomes a public record of the USGS. If the request contains personally identifying information or the request is deemed “sensitive,” we may redact information under FOIA Exemption 6 (personal privacy).

How to make a FOIA request for information?

You can also search for information agencies have already posted online here on FOIA.gov. If the information you want is not publicly available, you can submit a FOIA request to the agency’s FOIA Office. The request simply must be in writing and reasonably describe the records you seek.

Where to submit a freedom of Information request on Yourself?

There is no central FOIA office, so submit your request to the government agency that has information on you. Identify which agency to request records from. You’ll need to request your records from a specific government agency or department.

What does the Freedom of Information Act ( FOIA ) cover?

The Freedom of Information Act ( FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552, as amended, generally provides that any person has a right to request access to Federal agency records. The USGS proactively promotes information disclosure as inherent to its mission of providing objective science to inform decisionmakers and the general public.

How to request information from a federal agency?

If the information you want is not publicly available, you can submit a FOIA request to the agency’s FOIA Office. The request simply must be in writing and reasonably describe the records you seek. Most federal agencies now accept FOIA requests electronically, including by web form, e-mail or fax.

Can a FOIA request be denied by the FCC?

Under the FOIA Exemption 6 and the Privacy Act, the FCC may be prohibited from disclosing information about an individual from a system of records without the written consent of the individual to whom the record pertains. Can the FCC deny my FOIA request? Yes.