Freedom of Information Act

Definition

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a federal law that grants the public the right to access information held by government agencies. It requires agencies to disclose requested information unless it falls under specific exemptions.

Related terms

Transparency: The practice of making government actions and decisions visible and accessible to the public.

Exemptions: Specific categories of information that are protected from disclosure under the FOIA.

Government Accountability Office (GAO): An independent agency that audits and evaluates government programs and activities to ensure transparency and accountability.