Exposing Government Surveillance with Public Records – FOIA Edition

1. Introduction

2. FOIA Background

2.1 Government Surveillance Uncovered Through FOIA

2.2 Relevant FOIA Case Law

3. How to Frame a FOIA Request

3.1 FOIA Fees and Making a “Fee Waiver” Request

3.2 Expedited Requests

3.3 Submitting FOIA Requests Through Muckrock

3.4 Surveillance FOIA Template Letters

4. Agency Responses

4.1 When Agencies Delay in Responding

5. FOIA Redactions and Exemptions

6. Possible Reasons for Denial of a FOIA Request

7. Filing an Appeal

8. What To Do With FOIA Records

9. Other FOIA Resources

Appendixes

Appendix A: FOIA Request Letter Template – Keyword Search

Appendix B: FOIA Request Letter Template – Contracts/equipment documents

Appendix C: FOIA Request Letter Template – Key events or dates

Download a copy of this guide below or click on the page Introduction and navigate through the web version of the guide.