The Freedom of Information Act

In 1967 the Freedom of Information Act or FOIA was created to allow for more transparency and to allow for even more checks and balances between the government, private agencies and companies, and the citizens of the country. FOIA grants the public the right to access certain records from any federal agency. This can be great for the public if they want certain information about a company before making a decision, or possibly even filing a lawsuit if necessary. However, there are certain exemptions to this act.

The exemptions to information that can be accessed via FOIA include:

1. Classified information for national defense or foreign policy
2. Internal personnel rules and practices
3. Information that is exempt under other laws
4. Trade Secrets and confidential business information
5. Inter-agency or intra-agency memoranda or letters that are protected by legal privileges
6. Personnel and medical files
7. Law enforcement records or information
8. Information concerning bank supervision
9. Geological and geophysical information

The process for gaining information is incredibly simple, and there are steps on FOIA's website that make it even easier.

We must remember though, with great power comes great responsibility. With access to such information, it can be easy for people with negative intentions to possible use this information for their own malicious intent. While the idea of transparency is a great one, we must always have our heads on a swivel.

Classified information for national defense or foreign policy

1. Internal personnel rules and practices
2. Information that is exempt under other laws
3. Trade Secrets and confidential business information
4. Inter-agency or intra-agency memoranda or letters that are protected by legal privileges
5. Personnel and medical files
6. Law enforcement records or information
7. Information concerning bank supervision
8. Geological and geophysical information