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Freedom of Information Act: Federal Agencies' Recent Implementation Efforts

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Report Type Reports and Testimonies
Report Date March 11, 2020
Release Date March 16, 2020
Report No. GAO-20-406R
Summary:

Based on the principles of openness and accountability in government, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requires federal agencies to give the public access to government records and information.

The number of FOIA requests increased over 30% from fiscal year 2012 to 2018. In this period, the backlog of requests—generally those that have not been responded to in 20 business days—also increased. The backlog generally tracked to the growth in the number of requests; from fiscal year 2015 through 2018, the backlog was about 15% of requests received.

Agencies also reported using more resources on FOIA efforts.

Agencies Reported Increases in FOIA Requests Received and Processed from Fiscal Years (FY) 2012 to 2018

Bar graph showing an increase in requests received and processed

Bar graph showing an increase in requests received and processed

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