Exemptions in FOIA

Exemptions in the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) refer to specific categories of information that the government can withhold from public disclosure. These exemptions protect sensitive information, such as national security details, personal privacy, law enforcement activities, and confidential commercial data. Essentially, while FOIA promotes transparency, these exemptions ensure that certain information remains private to protect individuals, national interests, and specific governmental operations. The aim is to balance the public's right to know with the need to maintain security, privacy, and confidentiality in certain situations.