FOIA

DOJ Updates Guidelines for Gauging FOIA Requester Interest

The Department of Justice recently updated guidance on questioning whether or not requesters were still interested in the results of their FOIA cases. Freedom of information requests must be responded to within (timeline), but extenuating circumstance can lead to a longer amount of time before records are processed. Changes in

DOJ Updates Guidelines for Gauging FOIA Requester Interest

The Department of Justice recently updated guidance on questioning whether or not requesters were still interested in the results of their FOIA cases. Freedom of information requests must be responded to within (timeline), but extenuating circumstance can lead to a longer amount of time before records are processed. Changes in

FOIA Oversight Committee Hearings Call for Better Tech Solutions

On Tuesday June 2nd, the Committee on Oversight & Government Reform, led by its new chairman Congressman Jason Chaffetz, concluded 2 days of FOIA-related  hearings. The House Committee on Oversight & Government Reform (HCOGR) stated the purpose of the hearing was “to examine the use of FOIA requests

FOIA Oversight Committee Hearings Call for Better Tech Solutions

On Tuesday June 2nd, the Committee on Oversight & Government Reform, led by its new chairman Congressman Jason Chaffetz, concluded 2 days of FOIA-related  hearings. The House Committee on Oversight & Government Reform (HCOGR) stated the purpose of the hearing was “to examine the use of FOIA requests as a

All Hands on Deck to Dig Through ATIP Backlog

The federal government of Canada is using students and temp workers to help overwhelmed ATIP offices dig through surges in Access to Information requests. Canada ATIP offices have experienced a 28% increase in ATIP requests from 2012 to 2013 – up to a total of 55,145 requests in

Sunshine Week: AINS Commits to FOIA-Forward Thinking

If you didn’t know, March 15th to March 21st is National Sunshine Week – a celebration of Open Government and Transparency across the U.S. As we reflect on the importance of the Freedom of Information Act, we think it is a great time to reaffirm our support of

What Clinton’s Private Email Means for FOIA

  Earlier this week it came to light that Hillary Clinton had been using private email to conduct official Secretary of State business. Clinton reportedly set up a private email account before becoming Secretary of State to use for State Department affairs. The type of account used by Clinton

What Clinton’s Private Email Means for FOIA

Earlier this week it came to light that Hillary Clinton had been using private email to conduct official Secretary of State business. Clinton reportedly set up a private email account before becoming Secretary of State to use for State Department affairs. The type of account used by Clinton allows users

Mark Your Calendar for 10th Annual Sunshine Week

  We are just one month away from National Sunshine Week coming up March 15 – 21. Sunshine Week is a nationwide celebration of the importance of transparency, open government, and freedom of information. The week-long event centers around National Freedom of Information Day held March 16. During Sunshine

FOIA Reform Take Two

FOIA activists and other government news fans might remember the narrow defeat of the Freedom of Information (FOIA) Reform Act just two months ago. Now, four lawmakers are trying to once again make some FOIA improvements. House Representatives Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) and Elijah Cummings (D-Md.) as well as