FOIA & Privacy

Understanding FOIA and privacy is essential for both those seeking information and government entities entrusted with its release. Familiarizing oneself with the provisions, exemptions, and procedures related to FOIA helps individuals navigate the process effectively while respecting privacy boundaries.​

Freedom of Information Act

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552, was enacted in 1966 and provides that any person has a right, enforceable in court, to obtain access to federal agency records, except to the extent that any portions of such records are protected from public disclosure by one of nine exemptions or by one of three special law enforcement record exclusions. The FOIA thus established a statutory right of public access to Executive Branch information in the federal government.

For Information on FHFA Headquarters' and FHFA OIG's FOIA programs, including how and where to file a FOIA request for records
 click on the link: Learn More

Privacy Act

The Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. § 552a, establishes a code of fair information practices that governs the collection, maintenance, use, and dissemination of personally identifiable information about individuals that is maintained in systems of records by federal agencies. A system of records is a group of records under the control of an agency from which information is retrieved by the name of the individual or by some identifier assigned to the individual.

For Information on FHFA Headquarters' and FHFA OIG's  Privacy Act program, including how and where to file a Privacy Act request for records
 click on the link: Learn More