Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

The U.S. Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a law ensuring public access to U.S. government records. FOIA carries a presumption of disclosure; the burden is on the government to substantiate why information may not be released to the public. The right of access is ultimately enforceable in federal court. The web site provides information on FOIA Basics, including how to make a FOIA request and appeal an adverse response; information on classification of government information; government guidance, directives and statistics on FOIA; international FOIA, legislative history; Open Government News and links. In English and Japanese.