Public record

A document or item of information created, received, or maintained by a government body and available for public access under applicable law.

Freedom of Information Act: A United States federal law granting public access to agency records, subject to exemptions. It provides a legal route to request records held by federal agencies.
Freedom of information law: Laws establishing public access rights to information held by government bodies. These laws set the broad framework under which records are disclosed.
Classified information: Government information formally restricted to protect national security. Classification can prevent disclosure even when a government agency holds the information.
Government accountability: The obligation of public officials and institutions to explain and answer for their actions. Records create evidence that can support scrutiny of official decisions.
Open government: A system of governance that promotes transparency, public participation, and accountability. Public access to government-held information is one practical expression of transparency.
Public records request: A formal request asking a government body to provide records it holds. Requests are the usual route for obtaining records that are not already published.
Personal data: Information relating to an identified or identifiable person. Privacy laws may limit access to personal details within otherwise disclosable records.
Whistleblowing: The disclosure of information about suspected wrongdoing within an organization. Records can corroborate allegations and clarify what officials knew or did.
Government transparency: The availability of information about government decisions, operations, and performance. Public records let people examine how government bodies act and spend.
FOIA exemption: A statutory basis for withholding or redacting records under the United States Freedom of Information Act. Exemptions define limits on disclosure, including protection for privacy and sensitive operations.

Linked from 13 pages