Under FOIA, information may be exempt from disclosure for which of the following reasons?

Under FOIA, information may be exempt from disclosure for which of the following reasons?

• A. Personal privacy
• B. National security
• C. Law enforcement
• D. All of the above

Answer: (D)

FOIA allows agencies to withhold information when disclosure would harm protected interests. The reasons listed map to established exemptions: protecting personal privacy to keep individuals’ data confidential; protecting national security to shield sensitive information that could threaten the country; and protecting law enforcement interests to avoid hindering investigations or revealing investigative techniques. Because each of these is a valid exemption category under FOIA, information may be withheld for any of these reasons, so all of the above is the best answer.

FOIA allows agencies to withhold information when disclosure would harm protected interests. The reasons listed map to established exemptions: protecting personal privacy to keep individuals’ data confidential; protecting national security to shield sensitive information that could threaten the country; and protecting law enforcement interests to avoid hindering investigations or revealing investigative techniques. Because each of these is a valid exemption category under FOIA, information may be withheld for any of these reasons, so all of the above is the best answer.