[20200924]IF11450_《信息自由法》（FOIA）：简介.pdf

https:/crsreports.congress.gov Updated September 24, 2020The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA): An IntroductionThe Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), codified at 5 U.S.C. 552, provides the public a right to access federal agency information. Subject to statutorily enumerated exemptions and exclusions, agencies must disclose records covered by the act in one of three ways. First, FOIA directs agencies to publish certain important government materials in the Federal Register. Second, on a proactive basis, agencies must electronically disclose certain agency information. And third, FOIA requires agencies to disclose all covered records, except those made available through the aforementioned affirmative disclosure provisions, to individuals, corporations, and other entities on request. This In Focus provides a brief introduction to FOIA. For a more detailed discussion, see CRS Report R46238, The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA): A Legal Overview, by Daniel J. Sheffner. Key Terms Three terms inform FOIAs general scope: “agency,” “agency records,” and “any person.” Their definitions effectively determine which entities must comply with FOIA, what materials those entities must disclose,