The future of the FOIA and FOIA processing will continually change as the government and society adopt the latest advancements in technology. In the coming decade, great strides in transparency and open government will be made to alleviate the burden placed on agencies. It is no secret that the
There was a time not too long ago when FOIA was done without the assistance of the modern technologies that currently drive many agencies and offices’ FOIA operations. With every new technology, a FOIA professional’s job may ultimately get easier or at least more efficient, but along with
Watchdog.org recently reported that Virginia Delegate Jim LeMunyon has filed a resolution that would charge Virginia’s Freedom of Information Advisory Council (which advises state officials and the public on FOIA-related issues) with reviewing each exemption and deciding which exemptions should be eliminated. The Virginia Freedom of Information Act currently has more
Over the past decade, technology has reshaped the FOIA industry, affecting everything from the format of documents to the means by which those documents are reviewed and where documents are stored. Adapting processes to utilize technological advancements has enabled FOIA compliant agencies and offices to decrease response times and increase
When you get a group of seasoned FOIA processors, analysts, specialists, or subject matter experts together, the topic of conversation will eventually arrive at ‘how it used to be.’ It is the inevitable progression of the FOIA conversation to eventually discuss what it is was like before technology took over
This blog post begins a five part series on the relationship between technology and the FOIA. This series will examine the various ways that technology has redefined the FOIA process and will look into the future of FOIA processing as well. We will begin by comparing the old
Canada’s information commissioner, Suzanne Legault, has recommended in a special report to Parliament that the use of instant messaging between government employees is at risk of violating access to information laws. Her report investigated the use of wireless devices and instant messaging in 11 federal institutions. It found there
DC Mayor Vincent C. Gray recently announced the procurement of FOIAXpress, which will be the District’s first-ever citywide FOIA-processing system. This is part of a new initiative designed to improve transparency, public participation and accountability in the District government. “The automated system will be a great benefit not only to
AINS, Inc., held its 2012 FOIAXpress Users Group Conference in downtown Washington D.C. FOIAXpress is a software system produced by AINS, Inc. that automates compliance with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and Privacy Act. Over 200 government FOIA professionals from over 50 government agencies attended the FOIAXpess conference which
The Virginia Supreme Court is hearing a case this week about a vote to close down one of Fairfax County’s elementary schools. Parent Jill DeMello Hill has charged that, prior to the open meeting, elected officials who made the decision sent numerous emails which violate the Virginia Freedom of Information
