I want to write my U.S. Congressman on at least one delicate topic. But, I'm kind of paranoid that my letter will become public record that is subject to a FOIA request. I have a very distinctive name that when Googled, I pop up immediately in the form of my professional profile. I don't want what I write to my Congressman to be available to anyone to read and who then pops my name into a search engine and they find me on the internet. Am I disenfranchised from making my opinion known or can I write without fear? FYI - there is nothing I can do about my name or my profile being on the internet.
posted by Leezie on Jun 22, 2009 - 12 answers

A (US) government agency wants to create a database of data that is voluntarily submitted by members of the public. The database has fields of data that get populated, some with personal data. The data records are made freely available to the public either through a regular periodic data dump, or through FOI requests, although personal data is blanked out (some fields in their entirety, some fields partially) To what extent can said agency decide it also wants "non-FOI fields" added to the database. What is allowed to be exempted from FOI requests other than personal data?
posted by blue_wardrobe on Jul 15, 2008 - 8 answers

How long does it take the FBI to process a typical FOIA request? [more inside]
posted by omarr on Jan 30, 2008 - 7 answers

What kinds of high-technology things exist now but will only come to light 50 or 100 years from now? Speculative, but asking for concrete answers. [more inside]
posted by exlotuseater on Nov 30, 2007 - 41 answers

Can one get "anonymous" complaint information from a local government bureau? How? [more inside]
posted by spacewrench on Feb 16, 2007 - 6 answers

Today was supposed to be the day the ACLU got the redacted torture Photos mentioned here I wonder if anyone knows if the Gov made good on the order? I just assumed we would never see them, so I am quite curious how things played out.
posted by Jezztek on Jun 30, 2005 - 1 answer

Where can one find declassified documents, on the net? [more inside]
posted by daksya on Jun 29, 2005 - 4 answers

FOIAFilter! Have you ever submitted a FOIA request? [for more, please submit your request to inside] [more inside]
posted by librarina on Feb 3, 2005 - 16 answers

I've wanted a copy of my personal FBI file under the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) for a while now, but never requested it. I have reason to believe that it may be slightly more extensive than the average dossier. My question is this, then:

Given the current "tone" in the US right now, is it unwise or imprudent to make the request now? Is it going to flag me for more intense scrutiny? (which is fine, I suppose, as I'm a law-abiding citizen) Has anyone had any experience with this? (I know how to apply, I'm asking whether I should.)
posted by anonymous on Jan 28, 2005 - 10 answers