Focusing public attention on emerging privacy and civil liberties issues

Open Government

Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, and a people who mean to be their own governors, must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives. A popular government without popular information or the means of acquiring it, is but a prologue to a farce or a tragedy or perhaps both. -- James Madison

EPIC's FOIA Docket

Scanned Images of Selected Documents Obtained Under FOIA

EPIC's FOIA Gallery

Inspector General Directory/Homepages

Top News

  • EPIC Celebrates International Right to Know Day: Today, EPIC celebrates International Right to Know Day, which was established to raise awareness of every individual's right of access to government-held information. EPIC is speaking at American University's Third Annual International Right-To-Know Day Celebration concerning opportunities to restore US leadership in government transparency. Recently, the Obama Administration announced revisions to the "state secrets" privilege and increased access to White House visitor records. Both initiatives aim to expand disclosure of information. Last week, EPIC filed papers to force the Department of Homeland Security to comply with federal open government law, citing the President's commitment to transparency. For more information, see EPIC Open Government and EPIC FOIA Litigation Manual 2008. (Sep. 28, 2009)
  • Department of Justice Limits Use of State Secrets Privilege: Today, the Department of Justice announced a new policy that limits the government’s use of the state secrets privilege. The state secrets privilege is a rule of evidence intended to prevent genuine matters of national security from being disclosed in open court. However, recently it has been misused by both the Bush and Obama administrations in order to derail litigation completely. For instance, in 2007 EPIC filed a “friend-of-the-court” brief in a warrantless wiretapping case, Hepting v. United States, in which the government argued that the case should be dismissed because it would reveal “state secrets.” Under the new policy, the privilege will be invoked only "to the extent necessary to protect against the risk of significant harm to national security." The Attorney General will also have to approve each determination. The State Secret Protection Act of 2009,  legislation with a similar purpose, is now pending in Congress. For more information, see EPIC Open Government. (Sep. 23, 2009)
  • EPIC Pursues DHS Official's Public Calendar: EPIC has filed a FOIA appeal with the Department of Homeland Security for the calendar of the Chief Privacy Officer. EPIC submitted the original request to find out why the DHS Privacy Officer could not meet with privacy groups in Washington, DC. The agency turned over many pages from the calendar, but the entries were all blacked out. In the appeal, EPIC said the agency has failed to comply with the open government law and also cited the President's commitment to government transparency concerning the activities of public officials. For more information, see EPIC Open Government. (Sep. 18, 2009)
  • New Report on Government Secrecy Released: The 2009 Secrecy Report Card, from Openthegovernment.org, chronicles slight decreases in government secrecy during the last year of the Bush-Cheney Administration. The report, released by a coalition of more than 70 open government advocates, also provides an overview of the Obama Administration’s proposed transparency policies. Among the issues discussed are the Open Government Directive, Classified Information, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) memo, signing statements, and the state secrets doctrine. For more on open government and transparency, see EPIC Open Government. (Sep. 11, 2009)
  • White House Announces New Transparency Policy for Visitor Logs: Today the White House announced a new policy to release the records of White House visitors, an initiative that is intended to promote open government. The White House will release information on all individuals who come to the White House for an appointment, a tour, or to conduct official business, with certain exceptions for confidential or particularly sensitive meetings. The White House agreed not to release visitors' personal information, such as dates of birth, social security numbers, or contact phone numbers. However, the White House will release the names of tourists and other visitors who are not meeting with government officials, which raises privacy questions. For more information, see EPIC's Open Government page. (Sep. 4, 2009)
  • Inspector Generals Release Report on President's Surveillance Program: The Inspector Generals of the Intelligence Community released a report on the President's Surveillance Program. The report summarizes the unclassified collective results of the reviews. The Program involved the massive, warrantless surveillance of Americans in the United States. The IG Report finds that the absence of effective oversight contributed to the ineffectiveness of the program. In December 2005, EPIC had requested the legal opinions that were prepared to justify the program. The government has refused to produce many key documents, and EPIC sued under the Freedom of Information Act. In March this year, the Attorney General released several related memos, which previously were secret, following President Obama's statement on government transparency. See EPIC FISA, EPIC Surveillance FOIA, EPIC Wiretapping, and EPIC National Security Letters. (Jul. 10, 2009)
  • Administration Moves to Second Phase of Open Government Directive: Last week, the White House received public comments in the First Phase of its open government proposal, "Brainstorming." The next phase, "Discussion," invites comments focusing on several transparency themes: principles, governance, access, data, and operations, to be followed by a series of posts on participation and collaboration. In the first phase, EPIC made five recommendations to promote government transparency and accountability. See EPIC's page on Open Government. (Jun. 3, 2009)
  • EPIC Endorses Better Approaches on Government Transparency: In response to President Obama's plan to develop a new open government policy, EPIC submitted comments recommending that users are not tracked on government sites; promoting open government; allowing meaningful public participation in government decisions; stopping commercialization of personal data; and the application of Privacy Act to all data collected by the Government. See also EPIC's page on Open Government and consider purchasing EPIC's FOIA litigation manual. (Jun. 3, 2009)
  • EPIC Urges Privacy Protections for Government's Use of Social Media: The DHS Privacy Office is seeking public comments on developing best practices on the government's use of social media. EPIC submitted comments on the benefits, issues and privacy best practices. EPIC recommended Privacy Act protections to the data collected, prohibit commercialization and sharing, and the use of a model certification system. See also EPIC's page on Social Networking Privacy, Network Advertising Initiative, and Deep Packet Inspection and Privacy.. (Jun. 3, 2009)
  • Senators Introduce Open Government Bill, Celebrate Sunshine Week: Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) introduced legislation to improve government transparency and strengthen the Freedom of Information Act. The proposal comes during Sunshine Week, an annual celebration of open government. The OPEN FOIA Act of 2009 would reduce government secrecy by limiting the circumstances in which government records can be exempted from disclosure. "Excessive government secrecy is a constant temptation and the enemy of a vibrant democracy," Senator Leahy said. In 2007, Senators Leahy and Cornyn co-sponsored the OPEN Government Act, a law that imposed meaningful deadlines on federal agencies, created a FOIA Ombudsman, and provided "news media" standing for freelance journalists and bloggers. For more information, see EPIC's Litigation Under the Federal Open Government Laws. (Mar. 19, 2009)
  • EPIC Publishes Open Government Litigation Manual. Today, EPIC published the 2008 edition of "Litigation Under the Federal Open Government Laws." It is the most comprehensive, authoritative discussion of the federal open access laws. The 24th edition of this standard reference work features updated content and a foreword by Senator Patrick Leahy, co-sponsor of the OPEN Government Act of 2007. The book contains the texts of the US open government laws, including the Freedom of Information Act, the Privacy Act, the Government in the Sunshine Act, and the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Today's publication date celebrates International Right to Know Day, which was established to raise awareness of every individual's right of access to government-held information. For more, see EPIC's 2008 FOIA Litigation Manual. (September 26, 2008)
  • Supreme Court Rejects Limits on FOIA Requests. In a unanimous decision, the US Supreme Court upheld the right of individuals to request documents under the Freedom of Information Act, even if similar documents were previously requested by others. The Court rejected the Federal Aviation Administration's contention that it may ignore requests if the agency previously received identical requests from different requesters. The Court also rejected the agency's "virtual representation" claim, that a FOIA requester can be "virtually represented" by a previous requester who sought similar records. The Court based its decision on America's "deep-rooted historic tradition that everyone should have his own day in court." For more information, see EPIC's FOIA Litigation Manual and FOIA Litigation Docket. (June 13, 2008)
  • EPIC Prevails in Virginia Fusion Center FOIA Case. Yesterday, Richmond General District Court held that EPIC "substantially prevailed" on the merits of its freedom of information lawsuit against the Virginia State Police. EPIC filed the case after the State Police refused to disclose documents describing the federal government's involvement in efforts to limit Virginia's transparency and privacy laws. Through the litigation, EPIC uncovered a secret contract between the State Police and the FBI that limits the rights of Virginia citizens to learn what information the State Police collect about them. The court's letter opinion requires the State Police to pay EPIC's litigation costs, but not its attorneys' fees. For more information, see EPIC's web page EPIC v. Virginia Department of State Police: Fusion Center Secrecy Bill. For more information about fusion centers, see EPIC's Fusion Center Page (May 9, 2008)
  • EPIC Seeks Documents About Federal Role in Effort to Limit Accountability of State "Fusion Centers". EPIC filed a Freedom of Information Act request (pdf) with the Virginia State Police today. EPIC's request seeks documents about a plan that would shroud the Virginia Fusion Center, a database that collects detailed information on ordinary citizens, in secrecy. The Virginia legislature is considering a bill that would limit Virginia's open government and privacy statutes, as well as Virginia's common law right of privacy, for Virginia agencies connected to the Fusion Center. Press Groups have criticized the proposed law, and warned that, if passed, Virginia citizens can "say hello to Big Brother." EPIC's FOIA request focuses on the possible role of the US Department of Justice and the US Department of Homeland Security in the development of the Virginia legislation. For more information, see EPIC's page Information Fusion Centers and Privacy. (Feb. 12)
  • President Bush Signs into Law OPEN Government Act. On Monday, December 31, 2007, the President signed into law S. 2488, the Openness Promotes Effectiveness in our National Government Act of 2007, which amends the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) by: (1) establishing a definition of "a representative of the news media;" (2) directing that required attorney fees be paid from an agency's own appropriation rather than from the Judgment Fund; (3) prohibiting an agency from assessing certain fees if it fails to comply with FOIA deadlines; and (4) establishing an Office of Government Information Services in the National Archives and Records Administration to review agency compliance with FOIA. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) led the effort in Congress to enact the new open government law with the support of the Open the Government coalition. EPIC publishes Litigation Under the Federal Open Government Laws. (December 31, 2007)
  • Congress Passes OPEN Government Act. Congress has passed legislation that would amend the Freedom of Information Act for the first time in a decade. The OPEN Government Act would impose meaningful deadlines on agencies handling information requests, establish a FOIA hotline, bring government records held by private contractors into full public view, create a FOIA Ombudsman, and allow agencies to waive FOIA fees for freelance journalists and bloggers. The bill also reverses a presumption against disclosure that was created by an order of former Attorney General John Ashcroft. Senator Patrick Leahy led the efforts to enact the new open government law. For more information, see EPIC's FOIA Notes and Litigation Under the Federal Open Government Laws. (December 19, 2007)
  • FTC Chair Dismisses Recusal Petition in Jones Day-Doubleclick Conflict of Interest Case, EPIC Files Expedited Open Government Request. FTC Chairman Deborah Majoras has refused to step down in the Commission's review of the Google-Doubleclick merger even though it was revealed this week that her husband's law firm is representing Doubleclick. EPIC and the Center for Digital Democracy have issued a statement. EPIC has also submitted a detailed Freedom of Information Act request seeking the expedited release of all documents concerning the participation of Jones Day in the Commission's review of Doubleclick as well as other matters involving consumer privacy. (December 15, 2007)
  • EPIC Publishes 2006 FOIA Manual. Litigation Under the Federal Open Government Laws, published by EPIC in cooperation with Access Reports and the James Madison Project, is a comprehensive guide to FOIA and open government, essential for anyone interested in open access laws. The book draws upon the expertise of practicing attorneys who are recognized experts in the field. The twenty-third edition includes a new chapter on searching for records, international open government resources, a glossary of key terms, and is updated with new significant cases. (October 4, 2007)
  • EPIC Introduces 2006 FOIA Gallery. In celebration of Freedom of Information Day, EPIC is proud to introduce its 2006 FOIA Gallery, which contains highlights and scanned images of some of EPIC's most interesting FOIA disclosures from the past year. For more information about the Freedom of Information Act, see EPIC's Open Government page. (March 16, 2006)
  • Open Government Advocates Honored. EPIC General Counsel David Sobel and Advisory Board member David Burnham are among the twenty-one individuals to be inducted today into the National FOIA Hall of Fame. Inductees are chosen for their "unique roles in helping to establish, defend, and utilize the legal basis for the right to know." (March 16, 2006)
  • EPIC, Archive File Brief Supporting Release of Abu Ghraib Photos. EPIC and the National Security Archive have filed an amicus brief (pdf) urging an appeals court to permit the disclosure of photos and digital movies showing American troops abusing detainees at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. The Pentagon has refused to release the information to the ACLU under the Freedom of Information Act, claiming that it would "endanger the life or physical safety" of U.S. soldiers in Iraq. EPIC and the Archive argue that the government is turning FOIA on its head by claiming that information likely to expose government misconduct should be withheld to prevent public outrage. (March 13, 2006)
  • Court Orders Justice Department to Release NSA Surveillance Documents in EPIC Lawsuit. In response to a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit (pdf) filed by EPIC, a federal judge has ordered (pdf) the Department of Justice to process and release documents related to the Bush Administration's warrantless surveillance program by March 8. It is the first court opinion addressing the controversial domestic spying operation. "President Bush has invited meaningful debate about the warrantless surveillance program," U.S. District Judge Henry H. Kennedy wrote. "That can only occur if DOJ processes [EPIC's] FOIA requests in a timely fashion and releases the information sought." For more information, see EPIC's press release and Domestic Surveillance FOIA page. (February 16, 2006)
  • EPIC Files Second Lawsuit for NSA Surveillance Documents. In a Freedom of Information Act complaint (pdf) filed today in federal court, EPIC is seeking the release of National Security Agency documents detailing the Administration's warrantless domestic surveillance program. EPIC filed a similar lawsuit (pdf) last month against the Department of Justice, which has played a key role in authorizing, implementing and overseeing the NSA's warrantless surveillance activities. A hearing in that case is scheduled for February 10. For more information, see EPIC's Domestic Surveillance FOIA page. (February 6, 2006)
  • EPIC Sues Justice Department for Domestic Surveillance Documents. Today EPIC filed a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit (pdf) against the Department of Justice, asking a federal court to order the disclosure of information about the Administration's warrantless domestic surveillance program within 20 days. The Justice Department has played a key role in authorizing, implementing and overseeing the National Security Agency's domestic surveillance activities. EPIC argues in its court papers (pdf) that the debate surrounding the program "cannot be based solely upon information that the Administration voluntarily chooses to disseminate." For more information, see EPIC's press release and Domestic Surveillance FOIA page. (January 19, 2006)
  • EPIC Sues Justice Department for Misconduct Reports. EPIC filed suit (pdf) in federal court yesterday against the Department of Justice for reports of possible misconduct submitted by the FBI to the Intelligence Oversight Board. EPIC is also seeking documents from the Attorney General about possible misconduct within the intelligence community. Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly, the head of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court, has been assigned to the case. EPIC has already obtained about twenty reports to the Intelligence Oversight Board through another Freedom of Information Act lawsuit that raise questions about compliance with federal law. For more information, see EPIC's Patriot Act FOIA page. (January 11, 2006)
  • EPIC Introduces EPIC FOIA Notes, 2005 FOIA Gallery. In celebration of Freedom of Information Day, EPIC has launched EPIC FOIA Notes, a newsletter that will deliver the latest revelations EPIC obtains through the FOIA. You can view the first EPIC FOIA Note-which reports formerly classified documents showing that Choicepoint assured the FBI it could verify legitimate businesses-and subscribe to the newsletter here. EPIC is also proud to introduce its 2005 FOIA Gallery, which contains highlights and scanned images of some of EPIC's FOIA disclosures from the past year. (March 16, 2005)
  • Senators Propose Bipartisan Bill to Study FOIA Processing Delays. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) have introduced the Faster FOIA Act, legislation that will create a sixteen-member advisory commission tasked with suggesting ways to decrease delays in the processing of Freedom of Information Act requests. The bill is the second proposed by the Senators in three weeks to improve the Freedom of Information Act. The Senate Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Terrorism, Technology and Homeland Security will hold a hearing on the OPEN Government Act on March 15. (March 11, 2005)
  • Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Enhance Open Government. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Pat Leahy (D-VT) have introduced the OPEN Government Act, a bill that will improve government accountability by strengthening federal laws such as the Freedom of Information Act. EPIC is among the many groups supporting this legislation to encourage access to the federal government. (February 16, 2005)

Legal Documents on FOIA and Access to Government Information

Guides to Using FOIA

Other Open Government Resources

Suggestions

If you have suggestions for a FOIA request that EPIC should pursue, send us a message. Indicate the information you think we should ask for, the reason that the request is important, and the name of the federal agency (or agencies) most likely to have the documents. Anonymous suggestions are always welcome.