FOIA ensures the free and open exchange of information between government and the public. Since 1967, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) has provided the public the right to request access to records from any federal agency. It is often described as the law that keeps citizens in the know about their government. The purpose behind FOIA is to provide transparency as the public has a right to know what the government is doing. Federal agencies are required to disclose any information requested under FOIA unless it falls under one of the exemptions which protect interests such as personal privacy, national security, and law enforcement. For more information, visit Illinois FOIA information.