What is wrong with the Freedom of Information Act?

What is wrong with the Freedom of Information Act?

A major problem with FOIA, he said, is that fewer resources are devoted to processing requests, resulting in longer waits and backlogs. The federal government is falling farther and farther behind in processing FOIA requests. Last year, the government received 789,000 requests, but processed only 760,000.

Who can file a FOIA request?

Any person can file a FOIA request, including U.S. citizens, foreign nationals, organizations, universities, businesses, and state and local governments. Federal employees may not use government time or equipment when requesting information under the FOIA.

Who enforces Freedom of Information Act?

The Information Commissioner

What do I do if I receive a SAR?

You must respond promptly to a valid request and within one month after the request is made, or any information to identify the data subject to clarify the request is received. If the SAR request is complex, the response time may be extended by up to two calendar months, starting from the day of receipt.

What does an SAR tell you?

The SAR also includes a summary of your federal student loans, information you reported on the FAFSA form, and your estimated eligibility for federal student loans and Federal Pell Grant. Your SAR might also contain a note indicating that you’ve been selected for verification.

Do I have the right to see information held about me?

Yes, you have a legal right to access personal information held about you by an organisation. This right is protected by the Data Protection Act 2018 and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). These deal with your rights regarding information held about you by various organisations and agencies, including: GPs.

What is an example of sensitive data?

The following personal data is considered ‘sensitive’ and is subject to specific processing conditions: personal data revealing racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs; trade-union membership; data concerning a person’s sex life or sexual orientation.

Can I request information about me from my employer?

The short answer is ‘yes’. You have a right to make a SAR to your employer, asking to see your personnel files, at any time. Your employer has the right to ask why you want to see your files, but must then provide all your records to you.

Can I request my personal work file?

In California, you have a right to access your employment records, including your personnel file, payroll records, or documents you signed. The process is a simple one that you can do yourself.

What can I ask for in a subject access request?

You have the right to ask an organisation whether or not they are using or storing your personal information. You can also ask them for copies of your personal information, verbally or in writing. This is called the right of access and is commonly known as making a subject access request or SAR.