Open records are government documents and information accessible to the public by law.
Definition
Open records refer to documents, data, and information maintained by government entities that, by statute or policy, must be made available to the public upon request unless specifically exempted by law. These records can include emails, reports, meeting minutes, court documents, and property records, and their accessibility supports transparency and accountability.
Why It Matters
Understanding open records is essential for researchers conducting public records or OSINT investigations, as it guides how and when government information can be lawfully accessed, helping to gather reliable data for investigative workflows.