Records requests are formal requests made by individuals or organizations to obtain access to records held by government agencies. These requests are based on laws that promote transparency and public access to government information, such as the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) at the federal level in the United States and state-specific public records laws.
Types of requests
A person's right to request information can fall under different laws, depending on who's making the request and what they're asking for. A few examples are listed below, though exact laws and their requirements vary by state or country.
DSAR (Data Subject Access Request) |
FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) |
Public Records |
|---|---|---|
A request by an individual to access their personal data held by an organization. | A request to a federal agency for access to agency records or information. | A request to a state or local agency for access to publicly available records. |
Examples:
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General records request workflows
Regardless of the type of request, the process to collect and send the requested information follows the same general workflow:
Submit request – The requestor submits a request for records or information.
Review & Search – The organization reviews the request and looks for responsive records.
Evaluate & Decide – The organization evaluates the request and determines what can be released, including what (if anything) must be withheld by law.
Respond – The organization provides the records, redacts exempt information, or explains any denial.
Right to appeal – The requestor can appeal if they disagree with a denial or redaction.