Can I FOIA emails?
Can I FOIA emails?
Most federal agencies now accept FOIA requests electronically, including by web form, e-mail or fax. See the list of federal agencies for details about how to make a request to each agency and any specific requirements for seeking certain records.
Can a FOIA request be denied?
Can the FCC deny my FOIA request? Yes. If the Bureau or Office that is the custodian of the records determines that there are no records responsive to your request, or that one or more of the FOIA exemptions described above applies to the documents you request, your request will be denied in writing.
What information can I get under the Freedom of Information Act?
When is information covered by the Freedom of Information Act? The Act covers all recorded information held by a public authority. It is not limited to official documents and it covers, for example, drafts, emails, notes, recordings of telephone conversations and CCTV recordings.
How long does it take to get Freedom of Information Act?
These can be processed in one to five workdays. Normal – These are usually processed in six to twenty workdays. Complex – requests that involve the entire contents of a case file, or that require extensive search, review, referral, consultation, and analysis. These can be processed in twenty-one to sixty workdays.
What do you do if a Freedom of Information request is ignored?
If after going through your complaints procedure the requester is still dissatisfied, or if you fail to review your original decision, then the requester can complain to the ICO. Whenever you refuse a request you must always let people know about their right to complain to the ICO.
How much does it cost to request FOIA?
The FOIA permits HHS to charge fees to FOIA requesters. For noncommercial requesters, HHS may charge only for the actual cost of searching for records and the cost of making copies. Search fees usually range from about $23 to $83 per hour, depending upon the salary levels of the personnel needed for the search.
What type of documents are not allowed in the Freedom of Information Act?
Information/data that is NOT covered by the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) includes: Non-agency records and personal records. Public requests for access to physical artifacts or scientific samples (e.g. core samples, sediment, rocks, fossils, specimen samples, blood samples).
What is exempt from general right of access?
The Act creates a general right of access to information held by public bodies, but also sets out 23 exemptions where that right is either not allowed or is qualified. The exemptions relate to issues such as national security, law enforcement, commercial interests, and personal information.
Who is responsible for the Freedom of Information Act?
The Office of the Information Commissioner oversees the operation of the Act. A second freedom of information law is in existence in the UK, the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (asp 13).
Who is subject to FOI requests?
Under the FOI Act, anyone has the right to request any recorded information held by public authorities (eg government departments, local councils, health authorities etc) or by businesses that carry out public functions (eg privatised utility companies).
When can you refuse a Freedom of Information request?
In some cases, there will be a good reason why you should not make public some or all of the information requested. You can refuse an entire request under the following circumstances: It would cost too much or take too much staff time to deal with the request. The request is vexatious.
Can you charge for a SAR?
In most cases you cannot charge a fee to comply with a SAR. However, you can charge a ‘reasonable fee’ for the administrative costs of complying with a request if it is manifestly unfounded or excessive, or if an individual requests further copies of their data.
Are charities subject to Freedom of Information Act?
Public authorities under the FOI Act include NHS organisations, councils, fire services and police forces. For instance, charities that are given grants aren’t covered by the FOI Act. Some organisations that aren’t covered by FOI laws often act in the spirit of the Act, responding to the Act as if they were covered.
Does FOIA apply to private companies?
A requester who has any doubts about which law to use should always cite both the FOIA and the Privacy Act when seeking documents from the Federal Government. The FOIA does not apply to private companies; persons who receive Federal contracts or grants \18\; private organizations; or State or local governments.
