Anna Hosack, left, and Robert Max Junker, right, of Babst, Calland, Clements & Zomnir. Courtesy photos Right-to-Know Law Policy Update in Wake of Anonymous FOIA Buddy Record Requests
The Pennsylvania Office of Open Records (OOR) released a memo confirming that FOIA Buddy is operated by people who have a stated goal of efficiently promoting government transparency and accountability in a cost-effective manner for all involved and that the OOR found no indication that FOIA Buddy is part of a phishing, scraping or scamming activity.
August 20, 2024 at 11:50 AM
9 minute read
Public Records
If sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants and electric lights the most efficient policeman, then what is said of the darkness of anonymity? Many agencies have been receiving Right-to-Know Law, 65 P.S. Section 67.701, et seq. (RTKL) record requests created through "FOIA Buddy" that they suspect are anonymous. FOIA Buddy is an online service that lists its mission as "simplifying the process of requesting public records." After numerous inquiries about anonymous requests, the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records (OOR) released a memo confirming that FOIA Buddy is operated by people who have a stated goal of efficiently promoting government transparency and accountability in a cost-effective manner for all involved and that the OOR found no indication that FOIA Buddy is part of a phishing, scraping or scamming activity. The memo also stated that the OOR is unable to provide specific legal advice on responding to RTKL requests that are made by or through FOIA Buddy. However, the OOR recommends that agencies ensure their internal RTKL policies are clear and posted on the agency's website and easily accessible. This has provided an opportunity for local agencies to dust off their RTKL policies, which likely have not been reviewed since the enactment of the new RTKL in 2008.
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