Freedom of Information Act Exemptions

The Freedom of Information Act provides for the following exemptions to release of information being requested by the public:

1. Information properly classified as secret in the interest of national defense or foreign policy pursuant to Executive Order 12958;

2. Records related solely to internal personnel rules and practices;

3. Information specifically exempted from release by other statutes;

4. Trade secrets or privileged or confidential commercial or financial information;

5. Inter-agency or intra-agency communications that are protected by legal privileges;

6. Personnel, medical, or similar files the release of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;

7. Records or information compiled for law enforcement purposes, the release of which

   • A. could reasonably be expected to interfere with law enforcement proceedings,

   • B. would deprive a person of a right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication,

   • C. could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy,

   • D. could reasonably be expected to disclose the identity of a confidential source,

   • E. would disclose techniques, procedures, or guidelines for investigations or prosecutions, or

   • F. could reasonably be expected to endanger an individual's life or physical safety;

8. Information contained in or related to examination, operating, or condition reports about financial institutions that the SEC regulates or supervises; or

9. Geological and geophysical information concerning gas or oil wells.