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
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
The Glomar response refers to a “neither confirm nor deny” response from the government to the existence of a record requested via the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). This response can be utilized to deny information requests related to national security and information requests for law enforcement files regarding privacy.
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
Former 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. “This new automated FOIA system is in keeping with one
Canada’s Information Commissioner Suzanne Legault has been conducting a wide-ranging review of Canada’s federal access to information legislation. These efforts follow Canada’s recently poor ranking for right-to-know legislation across the globe conducted by the Centre for Law and Democracy. In 2011, Canada’s standing was 40th of 89 countries; in
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
