Have you ever wondered what the government is doing behind closed doors? The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is one of the most powerful tools Americans have to ensure transparency and accountability. Enacted in 1966 and strengthened after the Watergate scandal, FOIA gives the public the right to access federal agency records—with a few exceptions.

What Is FOIA?

FOIA is based on a simple principle: Americans have a right to know that their government is working in their best interest. Under this law, anyone can request federal records as long as the request reasonably describes what they want. All it takes is a written request to the appropriate agency.

If an agency improperly withholds information, FOIA provides a legal pathway to challenge that decision. This act is a cornerstone of open government.

Why FOIA Matters

Government decisions affect our daily lives—from environmental policies to healthcare regulations. FOIA ensures that the public can see how decisions are made and who influences them. Without this transparency, accountability suffers.

How to File a FOIA Request

Filing a FOIA request is straightforward:

• Anyone can file—you don’t need to explain why you want the records.

• Nine exemptions do apply, this is for protecting sensitive information like personal data, classified materials, and confidential business details.

• To file with the government, visit https://www.foia.gov/ and complete the form.

Tips for a Successful FOIA Request

A study of 33,000 FOIA requests found that only 23% were granted in full, and most took about four months to process. Here’s how to improve your odds:

1. Be Specific and Substantive
   Short, vague requests rarely succeed. Detailed requests are granted 29% of the time, compared to 17% for very short ones.

2. Provide Context
   Include links or identification numbers. Requests with links had a 13% higher success rate, and those with IDs saw a 22% boost.

3. Ask for “Data”
   Requests for data were granted at a higher rate (36% vs. 23%).

Best Practices for FOIA Requests

• Do Your Research First
  FOIA should be a last resort. Research helps you target the right documents and agencies.

• Write Clearly and Be Specific
  Avoid broad or narrative requests. Assume the FOIA officer is unfamiliar with your topic.

• Target the Right Agency
  Send your request to the agency most likely to hold the records. Check their FOIA guide online.

• Maintain Contact
  Follow up politely and document all communications.

• Stay Organized
  Keep copies of correspondence and track your requests.

• Expect Delays
  Some requests—especially those involving classified material—can take months or even years.

• Be Reasonable
  A courteous, well-written request goes a long way. Avoid frivolous appeals or excessive follow-ups.

Final Thoughts

FOIA is a powerful tool for transparency, but success requires strategy. Do your homework, write clear requests, and stay patient. The more informed and precise you are, the better your chances of getting the information you need.

Sources:

Nicholas Dias, Rashida Kamal & Laurent Bastien, What Makes a Good FOIA Request? We Studied 33,000 to Find Out., Columbia Journalism Review, https://www.cjr.org/analysis/foia-request-how-to-study.php (last visited Nov. 20, 2025).

Submitted by Park,Scott on November 20, 2025

This article appears in the categories: Law Library