A FOIA request is a formal petition to access federal government records under the Freedom of Information Act.
Definition
A FOIA request is a written application submitted to a federal agency seeking access to existing records, documents, or data under the Freedom of Information Act. It allows individuals to obtain government information that is not publicly available, subject to exemptions and exclusions defined by statute.
Why It Matters
FOIA requests are essential tools for researchers conducting OSINT or public records investigations because they provide a legal avenue to access valuable federal documents that can reveal information not otherwise accessible.